This is a classic story of two Midwesterners becoming friends over a grandma's handed-down rhubarb muffin recipe. Growing up in New Richmond, Wisconsin, Shannon's grandmothers, aunts and mom were great Midwestern cooks. Even so, she didn't watch or pay attention to how they worked their culinary magic in the kitchen or with recipes. Her job was to set the table and clean up after dinner. Eventually, they rubbed off on her. Get the recipes, photos and links https://randomsweets.com What we talk about in this episode: Growing up and living in Wisconsin  Why Shannon didn't own a pair of jeans until eighth grade Entering and winning ribbons at the Pierce County Fair How she organizes her recipes, especially the ones from the internet  Ho Ho cake, roasted spaghetti sauce, potato and ham soup, everyday sandwich bread, Jen G.'s cheesy potatoes, rhubarb muffins, and pumpkin bars Is it hot dish or casserole?  Gardening and canning—her husband planted 800 sweetcorn seeds this year She's not really a crazy chicken lady Cocktails and maple syrup Where to eat the best coney dogs in St. Paul Roseville, Minnesota restaurant and bakery recommendations from bread and pastries to Mexican and Vietnamese  Day trip itineraries along the Mississippi River highways in Wisconsin  Shannon lives on an acreage near Prescott, Wisconsin and works just across the Mississippi River in Minnesota as the Director of Sales at ⁠Visit Roseville⁠.  Connect with Shannon: Instagram: @shanphotos17 Email: sthomasser@visitroseville.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonthomasser/ 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