Defend the HoneyCrisp

Forget the oranges. The current parlor game is comparing apples to apples -- and it's more serious than it sounds. Minnesota's superb HoneyCrisp, the creation of University of Minnesota experts who cross-pollinated two merely wonderful apple varieties, Macoun and Honeygold, is in some circles considered a victim of its own success. Bred to thrive in the "warm days, cool nights" climate of the northern United States, orchards nationwide were given permission to grow the patented apple, once they ponied up the licensing fee. The result is that a HoneyCrisp grown in Washington state tastes different from one grown in Minnesota.

Pepin Heights Orchard in Lake City, Minn., recently sent two apples to Taste HQ, asking us to taste blindly, then choose which was the HoneyCrisp. Each apple was very good, although one was juicier, with a distinctive "snap." Duh, right? Turns out both were HoneyCrisp. Clever, guys. Next thing, you'll be telling us that all department store Santas are the same. The intended lesson: If you want a HoneyCrisp as they were intended to taste, buy local (or at least, northern). Buy from Minnesota and Wisconsin orchards or farmers markets. If you can't tell, ask your grocer for proof of origin.

The Animal Humane Society's Fall Wine Dinner will be Nov. 6 at the St. Paul Hotel, and will feature six of the Twin Cities' best chefs preparing a signature course paired with a wine. Chefs are Russell Klein of Meritage, Vincent Francoual of Vincent, Scott Pampuch of Corner Table, Lance Kapps of the St. Paul Hotel, Mike Phillips of Craftsman, and Sandra Sherva of Birchwood Café. Tickets are $300 per person; $150 of each ticket is tax-deductible. For reservations or more information, call 763-432-4842 or e-mail info_events@ animalhumanesociety.org

Maiden Minnesota is a charity shopping event highlighting Minnesota-based, women-owned companies that are leaders in creativity. Among the 30 businesses will be three from the food world: Cocoa & Fig, Droolin' Moose and Fabulous Catering. The event is from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Graves 601 Hotel, 601 1st Av. N. in Minneapolis. Chief beneficiary is the nonprofit Free Arts Minnesota, which supports business owners through arts programming and mentorship. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door and include one drink ticket. The first 200 people to register online will receive gift bags at the door. More information and tickets are available at www.MaidenMinnesota.com or www.Free ArtsMinnesota.org.

The California Walnut Board's Holiday Baking Challenge is seeking holiday recipes with walnuts. The prize is a KitchenAid Mixer. There are four food categories, with an option to create a video entry. A SMART category is for recipes that are made over to be less indulgent but still delicious versions of classic treats. Contest deadline is Dec. 4. For further details or to enter, visit www.walnuts.org.

KIM ODE