The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

I have an undeniable craving for salty sweet. It may be more intense during certain times: when I feel defined as a chauffer, when I've been bickering with the hub, when the days are so crammed with everyone else's business there's no time to breathe.

Salted caramels, a pretzel stick jammed into a pint of Sonny's cinnamon ice cream, roasted veg tossed with maple butter and sage ... Balance and centering, oddly found this weekend in Trader Joe's Sea Salt Brownies. Not content with using a mere sprinkle of salt, these dense chocolate chunks are riddled with big, crunchy flakes of sea salt. Just when the richness is about to swing you over, a tangy cut of salt brings you back.

As I write this I'm late for the day ... but whatever.