Cardamom Bread at Aki’s Breadhaus
December birthdays are a breed unto themselves. I have the double whammy of competing with glittering lights for attention and a name that means every ornament on the tree that’s mine is clearly labeled. It’s wonderful, but at the same time we are not celebrating Christmas until I get some birthday notice first.
It was family tradition that my mom always made her special cardamom bread for the occasion. Snowy mornings were greeted with the floral spice perfume wafting from the kitchen alongside her fresh coffee as she toasted up slices and generously buttered them.
As an adult, the task falls to me to make my own birthday treats and I have missed this tradition for several years until I happened upon a glorious braided loaf of cardamom bread ($6) at Aki’s Breadhaus’ new location in the Broken Clock Brewing building.
The tender, enriched dough has all the pillowy pull of challah and crushed cardamom seeds flavor every bite. The exterior has just a bit of pearl sugar for a touch of sweetness. Toasted and smeared with butter, it tastes just like it’s my birthday season. (Joy Summers)
Aki’s Breadhaus 1712 NE. Marshall St., Mpls.; akisbreadhaus.com

Country-style Eggs Benedict at Shar’els
When a friend told me their mom’s favorite place for eggs Benedict was Shar’els, it promptly went on the bucket list. A week later, I landed at the Oakdale spot just behind Caribou Coffee off Hwy. 36. At 11 a.m. on a Tuesday, most of the tables were filled at this modest 25-year-old homestyle breakfast and lunch spot with dining hall vibes and “Gone fishing” decor. It felt as if bingo cards were about to appear any minute.
But, homestyle fare fills the tables. An all-day breakfast menu shares space with soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and sundaes. Past rotating daily specials have included tater tot and goulash hot dishes, stroganoff, stuffed peppers and open-face sandwiches.
Of course, an eggs Benedict had to be part of this inaugural order, and the country-style eggs Benedict ($13.99) was calling. There’s much more flavor to it than meets the eye. Two grilled biscuit slices are topped with sausage patties and poached eggs and then smothered in a rich country gravy. It comes with your choice of fries or hash browns.