Mill City in Chaska

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum hosts the Mill City Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16. Pickles, kimchi, grains, honey, cheeses, cooking tools, art and more will be on deck, along with cooking demos, samples and a cookbook signing by Spoonriver's Brenda Langton. For a list of all vendors, visit bit.ly/VU9luw. The arboretum, in Chaska, will have other activities, as well, such as learning about maple syruping in a hands-on session, a cooking class about using exotic salts (www.arboretum.umn.edu/cookingclasses.aspx) and an exhibit of fairy and gnome gardens — for fantasizing about spring. Arboretum admission is $12 for adults; free for members and ages 12 and under.

A better butter?

Rachael Ray's EVOO drumbeat has had an effect on how America cooks. So much so that Land O'Lakes sees a generation that's moved away from butter as "their go-to ingredient for everyday cooking," according to a release about two new butter products developed to address this trend. The main player is Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt, which earned a 2013 Better Homes and Gardens award for best new product in the butter category. The Arden Hills-based company says that the proportion of olive oil is proprietary, and the product's nutritional value is similar to that of salted butter. Also new is butter available in half-stick (or quarter-cup) portions in salted, unsalted and olive oil varieties. Celebrity cook Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman, has signed on to endorse the products. For new recipes, visit bit.ly/YifSxi.

Bake it, take it

March is "Bake and Take Month," a promotion — but also an all-around nice idea — by the Home Baking Association. The idea is to slow down, relax and embrace community spirit by baking homemade treats for friends, neighbors or folks who may not be able to bake themselves. You can use the recipe on the side of a brownie mix, crack open a cookbook or call home for a favorite recipe. Or you and the kids can have fun making a bread alligator or turtle, shown here. For the recipe (and more), visit the HBA site at bit.ly/YhyOdA.

Graze 4 Good fundraiser

Four chefs will offer a tasting menu at the Graze 4 Good fundraiser Sunday at Midtown Global Market. The event features the talents of Doug Flicker (Piccolo), David Dahmes (Tilia), Mike Brown (Travail Kitchen & Amusements) and Thomas Kim (Left-Handed Cook). Cost for the VIP reception, 5-6 p.m., is $75 and includes special tasting menu, wine pairings and access to chefs. The main event, 6-8 p.m., costs $45 and offers tastings and two drinks. For advance tickets, go to www.Graze4Good2013.eventbrite.com. Tickets also available at the door. Proceeds benefit the Minneapolis Foundation's Fourth Generation fund, which encourages philanthropy in young leaders; this year's focus is local entrepreneurship.

Sip happens

Get ready to sip at the 19th Annual Minnesota Monthly Food & Wine Experience on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Metropolitan & Legends Clubs at Target Field (enter via the skyway to Target Field located on the third level of the adjacent Ramp A parking lot, or from the stairs next to the field at N. 7th Street). More than 350 wines and 75 specialty beers will be available, among the 200-plus exhibitors. Tickets are on sale in advance for $75 at foodwineshow.com; $80 at the door. Additional wine seminars/tastings will also be held (Washington State wines, and a Grand Red tasting); see the website for details. The event benefits Minnesota Public Radio.

KIM ODE and lee svitak dean