What's cooking: Minnesota hits the Food Network

OK, kids, we've got a hometown boy in the mix. Minneapolis' own Justin Davis will be among 15 finalists competing on "Food Network Star" when it begins its seventh season June 5 at 8 p.m. From his official bio: "Justin Davis, 31, brings experience from all levels of the restaurant business including host, waiter, bartender and line cook. The stay-at-home dad and current food blogger draws from cookbooks for inspiration, but rarely follows a recipe to a T. His no-nonsense attitude is reflected in his culinary style as he values rustic cooking and favors bringing the farm to the table with few steps in between." Will Davis impress host Bobby Flay and new judge Giada de Laurentiis and win the top prize of having his own Food Network show? Stay tuned.

DIY Farm Tour

Save the date, plan ahead: For one day only, July 30, food co-ops and local farmers host the Eat Local Farm Tour, offering the chance to visit sustainable Minnesota farms and meet farmers and producers. The 2011 Eat Local Farm Tour includes 11 farms within 100 miles of the Twin Cities. This is DIY stuff: All tours are self-guided, meaning you map out the farms you want to visit and provide your own transport. Tour hours differ from farm to farm, so do your planning with a free guidebook complete with maps, hours and tour activities at these co-ops: Eastside, Lakewinds, Linden Hills, Mississippi Market, River Market, Seward, St. Peter, Valley Natural Foods and the Wedge. Info also will be posted on the co-ops' websites.

Gluten-free contest begins Pamela's Products, which makes an extensive line of gluten-free baking mixes, kicks off its gluten-free recipe contest with this year's theme being "easy and delicious." Judges will seek original recipes that are short on time -- but big on taste -- using any of the Pamela's Products brand products. Winning entries will have their recipes featured on the Pamela's Products website and in the monthly newsletter. One grand prize winner will receive a $200 gift certificate to a kitchen supply store and first and second runners-up will receive $100 gift certificates. Deadline is Aug. 15. For rules, visit www.pamelasproducts.com.

KIM ODE