Food

Photo of McCall's Cheese

Part of a nation's history lies in what people eat. Artifacts at the Museum document the history of food in the United States from farm machinery to diet fads.

More than 1,300 pieces of stoneware and earthenware show how Americans have stored, prepared, and served food for centuries. Ovens, cookie cutters, kettles, aprons, and ice-cream-making machines are part of the collections, along with home canning jars and winemaking equipment. More than 1,000 objects recently came to the Museum when author and cooking show host Julia Child donated her entire kitchen, from appliances to cookbooks.

Advertising and business records of several food companies—such as Hills Brothers Coffee, Pepsi Cola, and Campbell's Soup—represent the commercial side of the subject

Name: Nordic Ware

Lamb Cake Mold

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
Nordic Ware used this mold to manufacture an aluminum Lamb Cake Pan. The mold is made of heavy metal and is composed of the front and back halves of the Lamb Cake Pan. Nordic Ware has always produced a variety of seasonal bakeware, such as this lamb pan made for the Easter season.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.33
accession number
2007.0034
catalog number
2007.0034.33

Bundt Pan

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
The most recognizable product that Nordic Ware has produced is its top-selling Bundt Pan. Nordic Ware manufactured this pan in the 1950s. The traditionally German Bundt cake become popular after one was used to bake a “Tunnel of Fudge” cake that placed second in the 1966 Pillsbury bake-off. Subsequently, Pillsbury and Nordic Ware paired up to sell cake mixes and pans very successfully.
Description
This cast aluminum, fluted tube pan was created in 1950 by David Dalquist (1918-2005), co-founder of Nordic Ware, a Minneapolis-based cookware manufacturing company. Launched as Plastics for Industry in 1946, David Dalquist and his brother Mark began making foundry patterns and industrial plastic products for area businesses. They also made aluminum cookware, including specialty products based on Scandinavian baking tools. Nordic Ware's ebleskiver pans, krumkake irons, and rosette irons were popular with the area's large Scandinavian population.
In addition to manufacturing Bundt pans, Nordic Ware also produced cook books and recipes, most of which were tested by David's wife, Dotty, in their home kitchen. "300 Ways to Use Your Bundt Pan" and the "Busy Ladies Bundt Cook Book" contain recipes for making casseroles, salads, and even bread in a Bundt.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.30
catalog number
2007.0034.30
accession number
2007.0034

Oven Aire

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
Nordic Ware produced the Oven Aire in 1992. The unit is a small fan that could be put inside an oven to circulate air and make it a convection oven. The Oven Aire was poorly received, with most consumers not understanding the potential benefits of the device.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.20
accession number
2007.0034
catalog number
2007.0034.20

Bell-shaped Cake Pan

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
This bell-shaped cake pan was manufactured by Nordic Ware during the early 1950s. The pan is made of cast copper. Nordic Ware manufactured a variety of seasonal cookware products, including several Christmas-themed cake pans like this one.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.13
catalog number
2007.0034.13
accession number
2007.0034

Twin Bells Cake Mold

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
This bell-shaped cake mold was manufactured by Nordic Ware during the early 1950s. The mold is used to make the pan seen in object number 2007.0034.13. The mold is made of sand-cast aluminum. Nordic Ware manufactured a variety of seasonal cookware products, including several Christmas-themed cake pans like this one.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.15
catalog number
2007.0034.15
accession number
2007.0034

Rosette Iron Mold

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
Nordic Ware used this mold to manufacture the irons for Swedish rosettes. The mold is made of heavy metal and has a flower, circle and star design repeated four times to make twelve irons at a time.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.32
accession number
2007.0034
catalog number
2007.0034.32

The Mexican Kitchen—Authentic Mexican Cookware Set

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
This Mexican Kitchen Cookware Set was manufactured by Nordic Ware in 1982. The set consists of three items: an aluminum tortilla press with a sun design, a taco maker including a wire basket to shape the tacos, and a cup shell former that holds down and shapes tortillas as they fry. This Mexican cookware set was part of Nordic Ware’s “International Specialties” line, developed to meet expanding customer interest in cuisines from different cultures. The cookware came with a set of recipes.
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.04
catalog number
2007.0034.04
accession number
2007.0034

Rosette and Timbale Iron Set

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
This rosette-timbale set was made by Nordic Ware during the early 1950s. The rosette is a light, deep-fried cookie often served coated with powdered sugar. This set’s dual-pronged handle allows two cookies to be fried at once. This rosette-timbale set is an example of Nordic Ware’s early cookware that was made and marketed to appeal to Minnesota’s large Scandinavian population.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Nordic Ware
Northland Aluminum Products
ID Number
2007.0034.05
accession number
2007.0034
catalog number
2007.0034.05

Tender Cooker

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
Nordic Ware first manufactured a microwave pressure cooker in 1984, which was the first of its kind. Named the Tender Cooker, the pot was another Nordic Ware invention like the Micro-Go-Round that increased the utility of the microwave. The Tender Cooker could quickly cook food, while keeping meat tender and moist instead of drying it out as would often happen in a microwave.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
2007
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.27
accession number
2007.0034
catalog number
2007.0034.27

Micro-Go-Round

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
Early microwave ovens did not heat food evenly. To address this problem, Nordic Ware developed and patented the Micro-Go-Round, a turntable for use inside the microwave, in 1980. In 1985, Nordic Ware manufactured the Micro-Go-Round Plus, which was weight-sensitive. It started when a plate was put on, and stopped when it was taken off. This example of the Micro-Go-Round was made in 2006.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
2007
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.26
accession number
2007.0034
catalog number
2007.0034.26

Ebleskiver Pan

Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including gri
Description (Brief)
Nordic Ware, a family-owned manufacturing firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1946 by brothers Dave and Mark Dalquist, as “Plastics for Industry.” In 1950, the brothers bought Northland Aluminum Products, a small firm with a line of “Nordic Ware” products including griddles and steak platters. The same year, Dave Dalquist created a cast aluminum, fluted cake pan and trademarked it as the “Bundt” pan. The company continued to grow its product line to include specialty baking and cookware items, including the microwave turntable. Nordic Ware is notable due to its history of product innovation through engineering, and its continued production of cookware in the United States.
Nordic Ware produced this ebleskiver pan during the late 1940s. Ebleskiver, a spherical pancake, is a traditional Danish treat served during the Christmas season. The first incarnation of this product was marketed through the “Maid of Scandinavia” mail-order catalog, making it very popular among Minnesota’s Scandinavian population. This marketing strategy helped establish Nordic Ware as a trusted manufacturer of ethnic cookware.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Nordic Ware
ID Number
2007.0034.10
catalog number
2007.0034.10
accession number
2007.0034

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