In our show’s home state of Minnesota, holiday cookie baking is a knock-down, drag-out competition thanks in part to the food section of the Star Tribune. Fifteen years ago, Rick Nelson, the paper’s restaurant writer, suggested that they have a little holiday cookie contest for readers. 3,500 recipes later, Rick and Lee Dean, the paper’s food editor, picked 150 of the very best for The Great Minnesota Cookie Book. Managing Producer Sally Swift talked to Rick about the best in show. He also shared four recipes from the book: Almond Palmiers, Italian Almond Cookies, Devil's Delight Cookies, and Pistachio Orange Cookies.

Our presenting sponsor for Splendid Table Selects is Bob’s Red Mill. Remember that Bob’s Red Mill is a great source for all of your baking needs, from whole grains and flours to foolproof gluten free baking mixes. See their website for more information about all of their products and to check out their baking recipes. 

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• December 4, 2018