Noteworthy

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.

Its fruit clings strangely to its trunk. One tree will have fruit pods of different colors, which contain sweet, white pulp wrapped around each bean. Its scientific name is Theobroma cacao, Greek for “food of God.” Read more about The Sweet History of Chocolate

Some dog jackets parallel the best haute couture has to offer. Are they being worn for fashion or function? Read more about Functional Pet Fashion for Winter

Chocolate gets a lot of attention this month because of Valentine’s Day. While real dark chocolate does provide some nutritional value, most of the chocolate from the stores is loaded with sugar and some not-so-great ingredients.

One of our favorite chocolate treats is our homemade pudding. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it is loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats and a deliciously creamy chocolate flavor. Plus, the coconut oil and raw honey provide medicinal benefits and immune support. Just make sure not to give the raw honey to infants who are less than 1 year old. Read more about The Proof is in the Pudding

Champagne over Chambord

• 1 oz. Chambord raspberry liqueur (Chambord is sweet and doesn’t need additional sugars.)
• 5–6 oz. Champagne (I would recommend a brut or brut rosé.)
• raspberries for garnish

Add Chambord to a Champagne flute. Pour Champagne over Chambord, and add a few raspberries to the glass to garnish.

Dan Keegan owns Glenlake Wine and Spirits in Minnetonka. Find more at glenlakews.com. Read more about Simply Delicious and Easy Champagne Cocktail

This Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for a romantic read in the spirit of all the best New York rom-coms, check out In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer.

This novel’s heroine, Franny, is having the worst day ever when a stranger on the subway (Hayes) steps in to help. Little did they know, someone caught their interaction on camera, and it’s gone viral. While their meet-cute is making Internet waves, it turns out Franny and Hayes are total opposites. They expect to go their own separate ways, but New York City has other ideas. Read more about A Romantic Read for February

Discover the Beginning of Lone Lake Park Read more about Discover the Beginning of Lone Lake Park

Find Your Path in Nature. Winter activities at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Read more about Find Your Path in Nature

Top Four Wellness Trends in 2023. Keeping fit in the new year. Read more about Top Four Wellness Trends in 2023

Wayzata’s Schoolhouse Hill. A quick history of Wayzata's Schoolhouse Hill. Read more about Wayzata’s Schoolhouse Hill

Simply Delicious Cast Iron Pork Chops. Warm and cozy comfort food to help weather a Minnesota winter. Read more about Simply Delicious Cast Iron Pork Chops