Nicole Hvidsten
Taste Editor
Hvidsten grew up in Minnesota and knew that journalism was her calling way back in middle school, when the Star Tribune published two of her essays. She graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in mass communications and a love for all things journalism and politics. Hvidsten worked at newspapers across the country for several years before finally returning to where it all started. She and her husband are proud parents of three amazing kids.
Latest from Nicole Hvidsten
A look behind the scenes of the Star Tribune’s cookie contest
It takes months of planning, a team of bakers and hours of debating to choose the winners.
December 4, 2025
Editor's Pick
Meet the bakers behind the 2025 Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest winning cookies
This year’s winners range from a fifth-grader to Minnesota State Fair baking champions, and here’s how they created their one-of-a-kind treats.
December 4, 2025
The winning recipes for the 2025 Minnesota Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest
Sweet and salty, chocolate and caramel, nutty and minty — this year’s winning batch of cookies has it all.
December 4, 2025
Holiday baking? Read this before reaching for that bottle of extract
Using natural ingredients to add flavor and color to cookies tastes so much better.
December 3, 2025
Tackle Thanksgiving leftovers with these 5 recipes from the Star Tribune archives
From mini pot pies to stuffing croquettes, it’s not difficult to turn ho-hum leftovers into something inspiring.
November 28, 2025
12 holiday gift ideas for the Minnesota foodies in your life
From art, liqueurs and spices to brown butter glaze, Bundt mixes and bakery-scented candles, the Taste team shares their favorite local food finds.
November 26, 2025
Don’t need a big Thanksgiving turkey? Try this right-size solution
If you’re not entertaining a crowd, Hasselback turkey offers a smaller yet over-the-top delicious solution.
November 19, 2025
3 soup recipes that are a bright spot as the days get shorter
We find soup inspiration from old and new cookbooks in a seasonal quest to find new favorites soups to take the chill off.
November 12, 2025
These restaurants are offering free food with SNAP benefits in limbo
Local businesses fill the gap as thousands of Minnesotans are set to lose access to benefits.
November 10, 2025
We picked the Holiday Cookie Contest winners and you can taste them for free
Celebrate this year’s batch of winning cookies Dec. 4 at our Cookie Wonderland event, where you can sample them before you bake them.
November 5, 2025
Hot new baking cookbooks will keep us riding a sugar high through the holidays
Stock up on butter, put on the coffee and sink in to these delicious offerings from authors Dorie Greenspan, David Lebovitz and Paul Hollywood.
October 22, 2025
Restaurant openings and closings in the Twin Cities
What's open, what's closed and what's still to come in the Twin Cities and beyond.
October 20, 2025
