Minnesota Farmers Union - The Farmer and the Chef: Farm Fresh Minnesota Recipes and Stories

Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities of Minnesota. The Minnesota Cooks program and The Farmer and The Chef are created with support from MFU President Gary Wertish and the MFU Executive Committee and in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agricultures Minnesota Grown Program.

Claudine Arndt is the manager of Minnesota Cooks, a local foods program of MFU that served as the inspiration for The Farmer and The Chef. She is the primary author of the books stories, drawing from her dedication to local foods, a healthy lifestyle, and her unique ability to connect with others experiences. Also a nutrition counselor and owner of Wellness with Claudine, she encourages others to choose quality, local foods.

Katie Cannon is the photographer for the Minnesota Cooks program; the public television program, Farm Fresh Road Trip; and The Farmer and The Chef. Beyond photography, Katies creativity helped shape and finesse each recipe and story in The Farmer and The Chef. She is also the owner of her photography business, Katie Cannon Photography.

Bruce Miller was the membership outreach and special projects director for Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Cooks director, and also the driving force behind The Farmer and The Chef prior to his passing in November 2019. He was a champion for farmers and farm policy. He partnered with Minnesota Public Television on the creation of the Upper Midwest Emmy awardwinning television program, Farm Fresh Road Trip. He leaves behind a rich legacy in advocacy, fellowship, and local foods.

There are many people to thank for their role in bringing The Farmer and The Chef to life. First and foremost, every page of this book is inspired by farmers. For those who dedicate their lives to growing and raising food and nurturing the land, yours is a difficult and often thankless job; we simply cannot express enough gratitude for the work you do. Thank you especially to those farmers who set time aside to talk with us at length, treat us to farm tours, and patiently answer our questions. We appreciate your vulnerability, thoughtfulness, and honesty. For the restaurant owners, chefs, and cooks who commit to partnering with farmers and using your talents and platforms to support a healthy local food system, we also owe you a debt of gratitude. Minnesota is an agricultural leader and world-class food community because of all of you.

To the key folks who got Minnesota Cooks rolling in the beginning: former MFU President Doug Peterson, Chef Andrew Zimmern, Jim Ennisspecial thanks to each of you for your vision, creative spark, and for laying Minnesota Cooks sturdy foundation. To all of our farmer and chef participants, sponsors, volunteers, event panelists, dignitaries, and emcees who have braved the Minnesota State Fair during the searing heat of August to celebrate local foods with us, thank you for showing up. Mary Lahammer, thank you for your unwavering and enthusiastic support of the program and for believing in its potential beyond its original conception. We are so grateful to have you on our team. Thank you also to the Minnesota State Fair for giving us a prominent stage at the Great Minnesota Get-Together to shine the spotlight on local foods.

This book would not be what it is without the forward-thinking culture and innovative spirit of Minnesota Farmers Union. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish and MFUs Executive Committee, thank you for being bold leaders who leapt at the chance to harness a unique, exciting opportunityand for believing in us to carry it through on behalf of the organization. We are incredibly grateful to work with visionary leaders and dedicated colleagues who care about making a difference and amplifying the voice of farmers.

Funding and support for this project was provided by Minnesota Farmers Union Foundation and Farmers Union Industries Foundation. Additional significant funding was provided by the Minnesota Department of Agricultures Minnesota Grown Program, for which we are deeply grateful. Paul Hugunin, Karen Lanthier, Carrie Tollefson, and the entire team at Minnesota Grown have been invaluable, long-term partners in our shared mission to support farmers and promote local foods. It is a joy to work hand-in-hand with you.

Becca Camacho and Caroline Glawe, our talented and patient recipe testers, spent a huge chunk of 2019 stowed away in their kitchens, recreating each restaurant recipe to make sure it would fly with the home cook. Thank you for your attention to detail, diligence, and endurance. It felt comforting to know these recipes were in such capable hands.

To our friends and families who have listened to us ramble endlessly about the smallest, grittiest details of this book and who have patiently waited for us to join the land of the living againthank you for proofreading, caring, and encouraging us to keep going. Thank you for understanding when we had to cancel plans.

To all the consumers who shop at farmers markets, belong to a CSA, dine at farm-to-table restaurants, or otherwise buy directly from a farmeryour thoughtful choices are meaningful, important, and make a profound difference. Thanks for being part of a grassroots tribe creating thoughtful change!

Lastly, a special thank you to Bruce Miller, our third team member and co-conspirator for the last decade, who helped bring The Farmer and The Chef to life. Bruce, thank you for trusting us to carry out this project on behalf of the team. You have been with us every step of the way, influencing our decisions, even when we could no longer see or talk to you. Thank you for all the savory waffles, fried shishito peppers, and stories we got to share throughout the years. You are missed.

Claudine and Katie