Farmer and the Chef : Farm Fresh Minnesota Recipes and Stories

Over 90 recipes reflecting Minnesota’s revered farm-to-table values.

The Farmer and the Chef: Farm Fresh Minnesota Recipes and Stories is a collection of farmer-forward writings and chef-driven recipes, giving readers an inside look into the life of food and farming in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Expansive stretches of Minnesota farmland and rural communities mix with urban farms and vibrant cities to yield unique food partnerships and delicious farm-to-table fare. Recipes from breakfast to dessert, accompanied by stunning photography and farmers’ real-life stories, showcase the struggles and triumphs of Minnesota farmers, as well as the bounty they harvest. Highlights include organic steel cut oatmeal with black currant blueberry jam, North Shore bouillabaisse, grilled hanger steak with swiss chard and tomato, and cherry-glazed madeleines.

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 Minnesota Grown.

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 book’s 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 whenever possible.

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, Katie’s creativity helped shape and finesse each recipe and story in The Farmer and The Chef . Her photography business, Katie Cannon Photography, focuses on lifestyle photography of food, families, farms, and travel.

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 award winning television program, Farm Fresh Road Trip . He leaves behind a rich legacy in advocacy, fellowship, and local foods.