6 Madison Magazine favorites in October

Bet you can’t guess the secret ingredient in this plant-derived prebiotic sparkling drink. Spoiler: It’s sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes). Yes, really, a root vegetable. Lizzy Haucke founded the Viroqua-based Gist drink line. We’re digging this interesting new non-alcoholic beverage, which has 25 calories and five organically certified ingredients per can. Drinkgist.com

Andrew Letang (right) and Hunter Novak (left) are proof that you’re never too young to pursue your passion. Friends since elementary school, these enterprising 14-year-olds created Big Hearted Soap & Candles in 2020. They started with soaps and expanded to candles and lip balms, with other products on the way. They support a cause, too — they’ve donated $500 to The River Food Pantry so far. bigheartedgifts.com

Too Hot for the Hot List? Answer: Never. We say bring on the heat! Elliot Franklin of DeForest launched a new hot sauce business, Nawty Dog Hot Sauce, featuring Franklin’s French bulldog, Romeo, on the label. The lineup of flavors includes the “You’ve Been Warned” and “Devil’s Breath” blends, so proceed with caution. @nawtydoghotsauce

​​Can you stomach a stuffed cookie that weighs half a pound? Only one way to find out — try one yourself from Como Cookie Co., a new cookie biz based in Madison. A crispy exterior encases an ooey-gooey center, making for an impressive cross-section when you cut one of these bad boys in half. Every Como launch features new flavor combos, so keep an eye out and place your order on comocookieco.square.site. @comocookieco

Wisconsin artist Erin Ryan started For Found Sake and creates resin-coated home decor, including air plant baskets, small pots and beaded strands. Ryan uses some upcycled materials for her creations, which have been frozen in place by the resin for an effect that looks a bit like rustic origami. @forfoundsake

Attend (or tune into) the 10th annual Wisconsin Science Festival from Oct. 21-24 to let your curiosity roam free. More than 100 events take place across Wisconsin for folks of all ages. Explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on exhibits, performances, tours, workshops and much more. wisconsinsciencefest.org