Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens

Staci Perry Mergenthal
  • 4.8 (22)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens

Welcome to Funeral Potatoes and Wool Mittens, a show for people who embrace the warm and cozy spirit of everyday living in the Midwest. Whether you cook, bake, or have food delivery on speed dial, everyone has a comforting recipe or story to share. We bake cookies for our kids’ hockey teams and bring cheesy hash browns to funerals. Lefse and krumkake are in our DNA. Candy bars and apples make a salad. We'll ditch work for a lake day, drive an hour for an old-fashioned bakery, and don wool mittens at 20 below. A food podcast for all. Tune in with Staci from Random Sweets in Minnesota. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

  1. Leah Rodriguez’s Magical Oven and How Joy, Faith, and Family Rise Together

    1 DAY AGO

    Leah Rodriguez’s Magical Oven and How Joy, Faith, and Family Rise Together

    Step into the warm and inviting kitchen of Minnesota native Leah Rodriguez, where baking isn’t just a pastime for her, it’s a way to honor tradition, celebrate family, and embrace joy and faith even in life’s hardest seasons.  Get ready to laugh and cry in this episode as Leah shares what she puts in her pumpkin bars that make them extra special, a recipe for funeral hot dish with an Asian flare, and how growing up in a family of 11 kids played a part in raising six children alongside her Juan & Only husband. She also explains how her magical oven got its nickname, and she takes us on a flavorful journey of her favorite bakeries near New Richmond, Wisconsin where she lives, including a Mexican bakery and restaurant in Chaska, Minnesota.  Photos of Leah, her magical oven, goodies, and recipes for banana bread, pumpkin bars, funeral hot dish, and Crisco chocolate chip cookies are on my blog for you randomsweets.com. In this episode: Keys Café & Bakery 9 locations in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area and Hudson WI. Knoke’s Chocolates & Nuts El Paisano Bakery, 117 W. 4th St., Chaska, MN, 952-361-9337 Staci Mergenthal, host and producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    1h 10m
  2. Whirlygigs and Watermelon Pickles: Keeping Family Traditions Alive with Stacy Brallier

    4 DAYS AGO

    Whirlygigs and Watermelon Pickles: Keeping Family Traditions Alive with Stacy Brallier

    Today, I’m introducing you to Stacy Brallier, a South Dakota mom, grandma, and keeper of family food traditions. Stacy shares recipes that hold a special place in her heart, including Funfetti cookies, her mom’s peanut butter whirlygigs cookies, and her great-grandma Elsie Edgecomb’s watermelon pickles, and a co-worker’s more updated recipe for watermelon pickles—each one tied to cherished memories.    For Stacy, food isn't just about flavor; it's about the people and moments that make life sweet, in all seasons of life. Whether it's making Elsie’s watermelon pickles or baking cookies with her own grandchildren, these recipes celebrate the joy of family and connect generations to come. Get Stacy's recipe at randomsweets.com. Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    49 min
  3. Cooking Without Loving It: Inherited Recipes from the Heart with Amanda Runia

    DEC 11

    Cooking Without Loving It: Inherited Recipes from the Heart with Amanda Runia

    Today’s guest is Amanda Runia, a busy mom, South Dakota business owner of In-House Ally, and self-proclaimed non-cook who has still managed to gather an abundance of beloved Midwest comfort food recipes from her family. Drawing from the kitchens of her mother-in-law, grandmother, and mom, Amanda shares her approach to keeping mealtime manageable and delicious, plus her go-to resources for recipes that bring a little warmth and nostalgia to the table—even though she doesn’t inherently love cooking. See photos and get the recipes and links on my website randomsweets.com. Amanda shared recipes for chicken divan, a few versions of goulash, rhubarb juice, Grandma Jo’s casserole, baked oatmeal, hamburger rice skillet, beef taco skillet, and her alfredo sauce that has ruined it for all other alfredo sauces when dining out, plus a few more.  Amanda Runia In-House Ally (Amanda's business website) Instagram: @inhouseally Instagram: @amanda.runia   Goodreads LinkedIn Facebook Substack Mentioned in this Episode Mother-in-law's hash brown baked potatoes Mel's Kitchen Cafe Mel's Kitchen Cafe baked oatmeal recipe Mel's Kitchen Cafe chocolate pots de creme recipe The Lazy Genius The Lazy Genius change your life chicken podcast episode The Lazy Genius change your life chicken recipe Instagram @thelazygenius Canoe Bay  Bri McCoy The Cooks Book The I Hate to Cook Book The Ettlin's Cafe (Harry Potter flights) The Nook Rabbit Den's Gaming Author John Mark Comer Author Stuart Turton Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    1h 8m
  4. Sweet Generosity: Local Impact of the Lake Campbell Lutheran Church Cookie Walk

    DEC 10

    Sweet Generosity: Local Impact of the Lake Campbell Lutheran Church Cookie Walk

    You don’t need walking shoes for the Lake Campbell Lutheran Church Cookie Walk. Just an appetite for homemade, tried-and-true Midwestern treats and a giving heart to support local non-profits.  This year's bake sale is on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 9a.m. Be there early to get in line! They run out of cookies quickly. The church address is 46610 219th Street, Volga, South Dakota. Cash or check only. Three big-hearted women, the organizers behind the church’s 22nd annual cookie walk, gathered around a table in their fellowship hall with our steaming cups of Lutheran coffee to talk about how it all works. You’ll learn what kinds of goodies sell best, the most important piece of a successful cookie walk, and why it’s always a good idea to sample your home baked goods before donating them to a bake sale. Open to the public and held at this charming 154-year-old country church south of Brookings South Dakota, the bake sale is a celebration of community, fellowship, and giving back.  You’ll hear about some of the treats like raspberry almond shortbread thumbprints, lemon bonbons, pecan tarts and delights, maple pecan thumbprints, and caramels, and of course what you’d find at any self-respecting bake sale of Nordic heritage—lefse, krumkake and rosettes.  Visitors are invited to sip coffee, enjoy freshly baked cinnamon and caramel rolls, and connect with one another after picking out an assortment of homemade goodies generously donated by church members and the community.  How does a church bake sale get even better? Well, one hundred percent of the proceeds from this festivity are donated to local charities, they average about $3,000 each year, making the cookie walk a true gift that keeps on giving. Let's meet Inga Trygstad, Ginny Jensen, and Glenda Derdall and learn how cookies, coffee, sweet rolls and a little holiday cheer can make a big impact.  Go to randomsweets.com to get the four recipes they share in this episode: pecan tarts, pecan delights, maple pecan thumbprints and raspberry almond shortbread thumbprints. Lake Campbell Lutheran Church on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SinaiandLakeCampbellLutheran Staci Mergenthal, Host and Producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Facebook Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    55 min
  5. Harvesting Holiday Spirit: 70 Seasons of Traditions at Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm

    DEC 5

    Harvesting Holiday Spirit: 70 Seasons of Traditions at Krueger’s Christmas Tree Farm

    Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm has been more than just a place to pick your own perfect tree—it's been at the heart of holiday traditions for families in the Lake Elmo and Twin Cities Minnesota area for 70 years and counting.    Spanning four generations, the Krueger family has cultivated not just evergreens but cherished memories, as they continue to welcome visitors with the warmth and magic of the Christmas season. From the fresh scent of pine, the warmth of a crackling fire and hot cider, to the timeless ritual of cutting the perfect tree and pulling it on a sled through the snow, Krueger’s has become a beloved part of holiday celebrations. So get cozy, as Neil, Deb and John Krueger takes us from the accidental start to selling Christmas trees in 1954, to the traditions, Tootsie Rolls, and the stories behind this family-run farm that’s been keeping the spirit of Christmas alive and families returning for seven decades. In this episode, Neil talks about the varieties of trees and which ones are most popular for their needles and which ones people like best for that fresh pine scent. And they share tips for how to keep your evergreen looking its best all Christmas season with water and spritzing. Who knew the sap would seal the bottom and not absorb water anymore if we let the water run out? For the 2024 season, Krueger's has Fir—Balsam, Canaan,  Fraser, Korean and Siberian—and White Pine and Norway Pine trees. Plus, you'll find gorgeous, handmade wreaths, swags, spruce tops, garland, roping and tree stands. Reservations (⁠on their website⁠) are required for pre-cut and cut-your-own. Krueger's is a full-service experience. If you want to cut your own tree, they'll provide you with a saw and a sled to move it. Make holiday memories sipping free hot cider and getting cozy around the blazing bonfire. Before you head home, Krueger's staff will shake the tree to remove dust, old needles, grass, etc., wrap it with a tree baler and secure it to your car. You'll also receive a gift—Krueger's custom annualized tree ornament. To reserve your tree time slot, see photos, and learn more about experiencing the farm, browse their website https://kruegerschristmastrees.com. See more photos on randomsweets.com. Krueger's Christmas Tree Farm ENTRANCE & EXIT: 10920 43rd Street North Lake Elmo, MN 55042 651-350-4545 https://kruegerschristmastrees.com Instagram: @kruegerschristmastreefarm Facebook: Kruegers Christmas Tree Farm ⁠Frequently Asked Questions ⁠ Staci Mergenthal, Host and Producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Facebook Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    54 min
  6. The Meatery MN: Connecting Meathusiasts Directly with Farmers

    NOV 26

    The Meatery MN: Connecting Meathusiasts Directly with Farmers

    If you like meat or stories about family businesses that connect producers directly to their customers, you’re going to love this episode with Bruce and Jodie Drager, Allie and Michael Drager, and Mackenzie Drager, half of the Minnesota family of farmers and food enthusiasts behind The Meatery MN.   While sharing meals together on vacation in Oregon, the Drager family dreamed up an ecommerce business that connects the producers of premium, USDA certified meat directly with consumers who appreciate fine food and knowing where it came from. Founded in 2022, The Meatery MN has been creating a community of meathusiasts across the U.S. by creating an online platform for consumers to purchase high-quality beef, poultry and pork and have it shipped to them directly from the farm families who raised the animals.    As a gift from The Meatery MN this holiday season, use code Mittens15 at checkout to get 15% off an additional order. This code is active until December 31, 2024 and can be shared with friends and family. (Each new customer who orders automatically gets a $15 coupon off their first order. That is why the code Mittens15 is off an additional order.)   Use the code to purchase meats like Waygu ribeye, dry-aged burger, smoked rib steak, beef sticks, chicken breasts, smoked ham, tomahawk chops, pork shoulder roast, raspberry chipotle bacon, and charcuterie boxes, just to name a few.    To learn more, browse themeateryMN.com. Photos and recipes for garlic butter instant pot short ribs and smashburgers are on randomsweets.com. The Meatery MN https://themeaterymn.com Email: Contact@TheMeateryMN.com Phone: 507-479-1367 Facebook: The Meatery MN Instagram: @themeaterymn YouTube: The Meatery MN TikTok: The Meatery MN Staci Mergenthal, Host and Producer RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Facebook Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    1h 5m
  7. Vineyard Visionary: Jim Schade of Schadé Vineyard & Winery on Pouring Connections and Pioneering a State Industry

    NOV 15

    Vineyard Visionary: Jim Schade of Schadé Vineyard & Winery on Pouring Connections and Pioneering a State Industry

    If you drink South Dakota-made wine or beer, Jim Schade and Eldon Nygaard are the guys to thank. Because prior to the South Dakota 1996 Farm Winery Act legalized commercial production of wine in South Dakota, you couldn’t make an alcoholic beverage in South Dakota and sell it since Prohibition.  So, Eldon came up with the idea to start a legal license for making and selling wine, wrote the legislation and Jim took it to the legislators at the state capital in Pierre. The bill passed. Eldon got the first license and began the state’s first winery, Valiant Vineyards of Vermillion. Four years after the bill passed, Jim and his wife, Nancy, founded Schadé Vineyard and Winery west of Volga. In this amusing episode, Jim shares where they first fell in love with the wine industry and why he quit his job in Pierre before he applied for the third winery license in South Dakota. Plus, you’ll learn why they hosted inventory reduction parties at their house, which two fruits don’t work well for winemaking, the funny story about how their winery got its name, how they became sponsors of The Iditarod, and how caller I.D. killed their original approach to picking grapes.  Jim has handed the vineyard reins over to Dillon Ringling, even though Dillon broke all three of Jim’s rules and now hosts weddings and events at the vineyard with the most beautiful sunsets as a backdrop.  Jim is still pretty involved with the business. And having been on the ground floor of South Dakota wine since the late 90s, Jim admits that what he loves most about the winery hasn’t been the wine, is has been the people and relationships behind the pours.  Schadé Vineyard & Winery  21095 463rd Avenue, Volga, SD https://schadevineyard.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schadevineyard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchadeVineyardandWinery Airbnb listing: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/50269250?guests=1&adults=2&s=67&unique_share_id=9d8fa87b-13ed-42d5-9c18-be1aac27f316 Staci Mergenthal RandomSweets.com #ourSweetMidwestLife Website randomsweets.com Instagram @potatoesandmittens Instagram @randomsweets Facebook Random Sweets Pinterest @staciperry Email: staci@randomsweets.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    1h 5m
  8. Frosting the Heart: For Goodness Cakes Twin Cities Chapter

    SEP 21

    Frosting the Heart: For Goodness Cakes Twin Cities Chapter

    Today’s story is a reminder that not all kids have the luxury of celebrating their birthday with a fun cake, but it’s also a reminder that just one small act of kindness, and a little frosting and sprinkles, can light up a child’s special day, showing them that people care about them and they are not forgotten.  Meet ⁠For Goodness Cakes Twin Cities⁠ co-chapter leads Carolyn McGovern and Katie Lipe, plus five sprinkle squad volunteer bakers—Audrey Hyatt, Kenzie Taylor, Tiffane Gayle, Tom McGovern, and Emily Beckmann, and Chris Bernard from Jeremiah Program and Melissa Westphal from Missions Inc.'s Home Free Shelter, two agencies served by the nonprofit. ⁠For Goodness Cakes⁠ is a nationwide non-profit organization that gives underprivileged youth the chance to have a birthday celebration by matching volunteers to bake special cakes just for them. To date, there are nearly 30 U.S. chapters and they have hand-delivered more than 32,000 cakes. View photos and links at https://randomsweets.com/for-goodness-cakes-twin-cities-chapter/ For Goodness Cakes® is an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Tax ID # 81-10383832118 Wilshire Blvd #826Santa Monica, CA 90403 ⁠⁠https://www.forgoodnesscakes.org⁠⁠ Email Carolyn McGovern and Katie Lipe from the Twin Cities chapter at twincities@forgoodnesscakes.org. Instagram: @forgoodnesscakestwincities Jeremiah Program ⁠https://jeremiahprogram.org⁠ Home Free Shelter, Missions Inc. ⁠https://www.missionsinc.org⁠ Lynn’s Cake, Candy & Chocolate Supplies, ⁠https://lynnscakeandcandy.com⁠   Kenzie Taylor on Instagram ⁠⁠@kenziespastries⁠⁠ Host, Staci Mergenthal ⁠RandomSweets.com⁠ #ourSweetMidwestLife Website ⁠randomsweets.com⁠ Instagram ⁠@potatoesandmittens⁠ Instagram ⁠@randomsweets⁠ Facebook ⁠Random Sweets⁠ Pinterest ⁠@staciperry⁠ Email: ⁠staci@randomsweets.com⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

    1h 28m
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Welcome to Funeral Potatoes and Wool Mittens, a show for people who embrace the warm and cozy spirit of everyday living in the Midwest. Whether you cook, bake, or have food delivery on speed dial, everyone has a comforting recipe or story to share. We bake cookies for our kids’ hockey teams and bring cheesy hash browns to funerals. Lefse and krumkake are in our DNA. Candy bars and apples make a salad. We'll ditch work for a lake day, drive an hour for an old-fashioned bakery, and don wool mittens at 20 below. A food podcast for all. Tune in with Staci from Random Sweets in Minnesota. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potatoesandmittens/support

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