Cool Cakes

I knew the Bundt was having a big year. I’d received a press kit announcing the sixtieth anniversary of the company that makes them, and spotted plenty o’ pans in Sunday department store circulars. Even The New York Times Magazine gave it a nod. But I stopped in my tracks when I saw a display of pans, mixes, and a Bundt cake cookbook at trend-forward gift store Patina. Is the Bundt becoming . . . hip?

Lots of Minnesotans know that the iconic Bundt pan was developed right here in good ol’ St. Louis Park. You may have even noticed the three-story brick smokestack with the words NORDIC WARE painted on it when you drive along Highway 100 (at Highway 7). Yep, you betcha, that’s the home of the Bundt.

I called Patina owner Rick Haase to ask him what was up. Haase explained that even though Patina introduces new trends and products to its customers, it also searches for items that help “create traditions.”

The more I thought about it, I realized that over time I have found Magic 8-Balls, classic storybooks, and funny gag gifts from my childhood at Patina. Whether it’s a new generation of products or a classic from the past, Patina has always offered a fun mix of the mod, the odd, the beautiful, and the basic. The Bundt fits.

Haase says Patina started with two Bundt molds, the Fairy Tale cottage and the  Castle. “We know how crazy little girls are about princesses and fairies and little boys are for dragons,” he says.

Patina buyers thought the cake molds ($32) would be great items for special birthday cakes—perhaps even start a new tradition.

A funny thing happened while working on this issue. One of our freelance photographers, Travis Anderson—who’s known for his humor and hipster qualities—made a stop at our office. He brought us a Bundt. It was gone in a Minnesota minute. (And he had no idea that we were working on this feature.)

Time to dust off your pan.

Patina stores, four metro locations, including 1009 Franklin Ave. W., Mpls., 612-872-0880

This bundt pan from Patina could be yours!