iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Honored to be among the finalists for the Heartland Bookseller Awards for “Kitchens of Hope,” with the winners determined by booksellers. And delighted to be among two other finalists from @uminnpress.bsky.social

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Does this billboard in downtown Minneapolis need a caption? Not really, but here’s one anyway: Minnesota Strong.

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Delighted to see that “Kitchens of Hope” has been named a finalist in the FORWARD 2025 Indies Book of the Year Awards. FORWARD interviewed the authors — me, my sister Linda, and Christin Eaton about the book’s focus on immigration and food traditions. The interview is at tinyurl.com32jaccky

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

It’s a sweet moment to hear that readers like our book! And, yes, indeed, the Italian Almond Cookies are terrific! Thanks! @mngupbooks.bsky.social

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Headed to a favorite spot — a library — for a book talk about the new “Kitchens of Hope,” a volume about immigration and food traditions. Hopkins Public Library in Minnesota, Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 pm. With coffee and book sales by Cream & Amber.

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 02/11/2025

The impact of print! Happy to see 2 books I co-authored on the list from the Minnesota Star Tribune: “Kitchens of Hope” and “The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book.”

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

I’ve got books on my mind , specifically, mine! If you’re in Maple Grove, Minn., stop by Tuesday for a book talk on immigration and food traditions!

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Book tour! This is the first of 11 libraries I am visiting. First is in Wyoming, Minn., and then in McGregor, Minn. I love libraries!

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 02/09/2025

Delighted to have been part of cooking demos for the Minnesota Star Tribune, at the state fair. Two recipes from “Kitchens of Hope,” a cookbook about immigration and food traditions, were featured by book contributors: a Latvian walnut cake and a German leek tart. Here’s to food that travels!

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Check out the recommended summer books!! There might be a book on immigrants and food …

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Publication day! First sighting in the wild! Immigration stories and the recipes brought from homelands. Timely, inspiring, AND delicious. @uminnpress.bsky.social

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

There’s nothing like print to have impact! Thrilled to see my new book, “Kitchens of Hope,” featured in @startribune.com @sharynjackson.bsky.social @uminnpress.bsky.social

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

O Canada, in July 1978 the Taste section of the Minneapolis Star paid homage to our northern neighbor’s provinces with not one but two big food sections on the delights of 1) British Columbia, and 2) Manitoba, including praise for the 3) cooking of Ukrainian immigrants in Winnipeg.

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

I am thrilled to announce a new book focused on the timeliest of topics: immigration, from the journeys of those traveling with hope to the recipes they carried in their hearts. More than 30 immigrants from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe allowed us into their lives and kitchens. June pub date. Pre-orders!

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

I dropped by @barnesandnoble.com and found a display of 32 copies of “The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book.” When I mentioned I was a co-author, the clerk asked me to sign the books. Thanks for the support (and the great — some might say “ultimate” display)! @uminnpress.bsky.social #books

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

February was a dark month, and I’m not talking about the weather. Was it really only 28 days? My reading started out serious, but memoirs offered shafts of light that brought relief. As always, books saved the day (and month) for me. What’s on your March reading list? #books

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Cookie book alert: It brings me joy to see “The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book” lined up with “Joy of Cooking,” two indispensable guides in the kitchen! Thanks, @barnesandnoble.com

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Cookies and the American Swedish Institute go together like butter, flour, sugar and eggs! It was a sweet afternoon, with cookies from “The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book” baked to perfection by @nordicfoodgeek.bsky.social (thanks!)

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

My January booklist kept me (relatively) sane — and busy — this month (see photo). What’s planned for February? For a starter, a memoir appropriate for the month. What could that be? (to be announced in 28 days). Note the library books in the stack, a reader’s best friend #books

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

It’s official: The Year of the Loon

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Lee Svitak Dean @leesdean.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

Wishing all a full cookie jar in 2025! If you need inspiration, I recommend this new book from Rick Nelson and me. Happy baking in the new year! @uminnpress.bsky.social #baking #cookies

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Reposted by Lee Svitak Dean

Angela Davis MPR @angeladavismpr.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Tuesday at 9am on MPR News, tune in as I talk with the co-authors of an updated book filled with the best cookie recipes from the The Minnesota Star Tribune holiday cookie contests over the years. It's called "The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book.” www.mprnews.org/episode/2024...

mprnews.org

Minnesota's best cookie recipes? These writers are on the hunt

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about our favorite cookies — from ginger drops to cranberry swirls and almond palmiers — with the founders of the Minnesota Star Tribune cookie contest.

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