Red Lake Nation Foods in new book

The traditional ritual and business model of growing wild rice, as practiced by Red Lake Nation Foods in Redby, Minn., is among the 18 farming operations profiled in "Growing Tomorrow: A Farm-to-Table Journey in Photos and Recipes — Behind the Scenes With 18 Extraordinary Sustainable Farmers Who Are Changing the Way We Eat." (Whew!) Author Forrest Pritchard, whose first book, "Gaining Ground," about rebuilding his family farm, became a New York Times bestseller, writes with particular lyricism about this little-traveled part of the state. There also are recipes for wild rice pancakes and wild rice meatballs. The book is published by the Experiment, an independent publisher focusing on nonfiction and popular science. The price is $24.95; it's also available as an e-book. To learn more and also where to order, visit theexperimentpublishing.com.

Cameron's Coffee pretty hot

Cameron's Coffee, the Shakopee-based roaster, said sales of its environment-minded filtered single-serve coffees rose more than 60 percent in the year they've been on the market. The filtered single-serve coffees reduce waste by replacing the K-Cup-style plastic container with a biodegradable paper lidding and a ring made of bio-based materials such as corn, beets and wood. Cameron's also is singing the praises of cold-brew coffee, which involves immersing ground beans in water for 10 to 16 hours, then using water or milk to dilute the intense but supersmooth (no bitterness) essence of coffee. Hey, people drink iced tea year-round, so why not cold coffee? Mostly, though, Cameron's is touting its holiday flavors, which include Crème Brûlée Latte, Holiday Grog, Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha. Cameron's is available in local stores. For a list, or to order online, visit ­cameronscoffee.com.

Charlie panel to explore success

The last of three panel discussions ramping up to next month's Charlie Awards is Oct. 28 at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley. Panelists will talk about the "art and science" of running a restaurant and also address the now tabled "working families" proposal in Minneapolis. Panelists will be: Scott Foster and Pat Woodring of Nova Restaurant Group; Nicklas Frölander, General Mills corporate innovation chef; Kristy Meier of Dynamic Products Midwest; Tracy Singleton of the Birchwood Café; Jacob Toledo of Jester Concepts, and Pat Weber of Mise en Place Consulting. The event, with a happy hour and hors d'oeuvres, is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with discussion starting at 6 p.m. The event is free and public, but reservations are required. RSVP to CharliesExceptionale@gmail.com. The fifth annual Charlie Awards will be Nov. 15 at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis.

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