Ruth Edstrom – Ruthie’s Kitchen

I am Ruth Edstrom, the chief cook and baker for “Ruthie’s Kitchen.”  “Ruthie’s Kitchen” has a diverse product line from handmade caramels to breads and pastries to jams and jellies.  I also make specialty order cupcakes… think cupcake trees.

Czech kolache pastries, hot peppers jams, and caramels are a favorite at the market.

“Ruthie’s Kitchen” evolved out of my passion for creating handmade treats that put smiles on my guests’ faces.  There is a satisfaction for both the one tasting and the one creating the treat.

Following a suggestion to sell my caramels, I started with individual orders at first and then about three years ago started selling at markets.

I offer my products at several markets, including Northfield Riverwalk, Minneapolis Mid-Town Market, Minneapolis NorthEast Market and Dennison Market.

This keeps me very busy since I also work full-time for Hennepin County in Minneapolis.

I am also a nurse, and keep my license current, even though I have changed my career focus after I graduated from the University of St .Thomas with an Human Resources degree and started with Hennepin County.

My husband, Merle, helps make this all work. He is the “hands-on” man that does the heavy lifting and set up for my small venture.   My daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Chris Schearer (St.Paul) have three daughters; Katie (11), Zoe (9), Maddie (7) who all offer encouragement and help to keep me going.

— Ruth Edstrom