From flavorful artisanal cheeses to the year-round plenty of farmers markets to the first wild ramps of spring, options for eating well in Minnesota and Wisconsin abound. Brett Laidlaw has taken advantage of these local treasures for decades, and in Trout Caviar he shares tips and recipes to help you embrace the gifts our northern climate provides.

Laidlaw cultivates relationships with specialty stores and artisanal purveyors to gather food that comes with a toothsome sense of place--fresh Lake Superior fish, pastured lamb, plump duck for rich confit. He gardens and frequents...