Here are ways to find locally made products For shoppers who like the idea but don't know where to start buying local, check out Minnesota2020's website (www.mn2020. org), which lists more than 400 made-in-Minnesota products available at retailers statewide.
For more ideas, think about holiday staples. Skip Harry & David's tower of treats and go to a local supermarket such as Lunds, Byerly's or Kowal-ski's and ask for a gift basket with Minnesota-grown foods. Or try one of Minnesota's chocolatiers, such as Chocolate Celeste (St. Paul, 651-644-3823, www.chocolateceleste. com) or Mr B's (St. Cloud, 1-320-259-5665, www.mrbchocolate. com).
For a State Fair flashback, wash the chocolate down (or vice versa) with Minnesota-grown bacon. Fischer Farms bacon from Waseca is available at the Golden Fig (St. Paul, 651-602-0144, www.goldenfig.com). For that matter, Hormel is based in Minnesota.
Also, head to your neighborhood wine shop or liquor store for Minnesota-brewed beers and wines.
Want a nonfood gift basket? Try aromatherapy products from locally based Caldrea. Go to www.caldrea.com for retailers. On a smaller scale, stuff a stocking with a locally made bar of soap available at many gift shops. Dunlaoghaire (612-788-8788, www.thesoappeople. com) in Minneapolis has been selling its soap for 20 years.
JOHN EWOLDT
