While studying abroad in Venezuela, I, along with other students, would take overnight buses to the coast. It was there where I discovered cacao trees, which give us chocolate and is found growing as an understory tree.
Food & Drink
![Aletta Schaefer Frosting Cupcakes Aletta Schaefer frosting cupcakes.](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/bake-house-valentines-cupcakes-frosting.jpg?itok=M6qisjU4)
Aletta Schaefer has been dreaming up recipes since she was only 3 years old. Growing up in Dayton, Minnesota, her mother ran a daycare business out of their home. Oftentimes, Schaefer could be found eagerly whipping up baked goods for all the kids.
![Cast Iron Pork Chops Cast Iron Pork Chops](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/pork-chop-skillet-iStock-1290622878.jpg?itok=Hj0TK6nG)
Simply Delicious Cast Iron Pork Chops. Warm and cozy comfort food to help weather a Minnesota winter.
![Tuaca Apple Pie Cocktail Hands holding a Tuaca Apple Pie Cocktail.](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/tuaca-apple-piue-cocktail.jpg?itok=Pc7aD6Tk)
Best Après-Ski Cocktails To Warm Up With. Let the fun begin after a day on the slopes … or wherever else.
![St. Albans Bay Mosaic St. Albans Bay mosaic in a kitchen.](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/St-Albans-Bay-mosaic-kitchen.jpg?itok=QtZWdWZd)
Greenwood Homeowners Find a Creative Way to Add a Personal Touch to Their Kitchen. Mosaic artist recreates St. Albans Bay.
![Making Pfeffernüsse Cookies Advisory board member Laura Bray making traditional German Pfeffernüsse cookies.](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/preparing-Pfeffern%C3%BCsse-christmas-cookie.jpg?itok=QyLBYkiT)
Festive Holiday Recipes to Bring Comfort and Joy. Editorial Advisory Board members share their favorite holiday recipes.
![James Birnie James Birnie of Excelsior Brewery Company.](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/james-birnie-brewery-excelsior-brewing.jpg?itok=9ru8nIMW)
History is Brewing at Excelsior Brewing Company. Lead brewer of Excelsior Brewing Company shares his love for the craft.
![Ivy Chang Preparing Peking Duck Ivy Chang preparing Peking Duck.](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/preparing-peking-duck-ivy-chang.jpg?itok=VRx7dBRV)
Bringing Peking Duck to The Holiday Table. Recipe is the main ingredient for holiday tradition.
![Macanda Dining room at Macanda restaurant.](https://archive.lakeminnetonkamag.com/sites/default/files/styles/195x118-scale-smartcrop/public/field/image/macanda-dining-room.jpg?itok=-RX8tjiC)
New Restaurant Macanda Brings Elevated Mexican Fare to Wayzata. Local restauranteur brings global cuisine to the shores of Lake Minnetonka.