Photo by NDAREC/Kennedy DeLap
Though President Theodore Roosevelt called New York home, he was an intermittent North Dakotan. And he ate like one, too.
“The president lives very plainly. He prefers plain, wholesome food to the most elaborate menu,” the former White House chef Henry Benoit told The Lafayette Sunday Times in 1903.
One of his favorite dishes? A sirloin steak, potatoes and gravy. As a sportsman, he was also fond of all types of game, especially quail and venison. And, he had an affinity for his mother’s cooking. Relatable, right?
It’s been documented Roosevelt’s favorite meal after a long day spent on his Elkhorn Ranch in western North Dakota was his mother’s fried chicken smothered in bacon fat gravy.
But Roosevelt was also known for his sweet tooth.
He enjoyed a “fat rascal” treat at breakfast, a sort of denser scone with a crumbly, buttery interior.
A cookie stood no chance in TR’s presence. One of his favorites was a Sagamore Hill sand tart – a cinnamon-sugar shortbread-like cookie (find a recipe on page 28) – which the Roosevelt family served guests at their hunting trophy-adorned home in Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Lemon and pumpkin were his preferred pies. In the White House kitchen, they were known as the “president’s pies.”
So, on your travels around North Dakota this summer, eat like TR would do – and remember to save room for dessert!
HWY 3 BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP
Off Highway 3 near the grain elevator in Napoleon, you will find a small-town sweet spot worth the stop, Hwy 3 Bakery & Coffee Shop.
Owner Sam Reuther leaves her farm at 4:15 a.m. to start her day. Once arriving at the bakery, she starts preparing the donuts, then moves on to other baked goods. By 6 a.m., she is frosting donuts and finishing other breakfast items to open at 6:30 a.m. Around 9:30 a.m., she transitions to lunch items, including sandwiches and her famous sides.
Hwy 3 Bakery & Coffee Shop sells breakfast and lunch items, as well as specialty coffees. In addition to the traditional bakery items, Reuther also offers sourdough bread, cake jars, holiday specials and takes special orders for event catering. She also ships her cookie mixes nationwide.
But it’s Grandma Bev’s caramel rolls that have made this bakery famous in a small town.
“We have become known for caramel rolls, Grandma Bev’s caramel rolls,” Reuther says.
Grandma Bev is the inspiration for the baking side of Reuther’s business. When Grandma Bev died in 2020, all of her recipes and even her bread machine were passed down to Reuther. That bread machine is still used every day to make the dough for the rolls.
Hwy 3 Bakery & Coffee Shop is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and closed on Sunday. Check the Facebook page to see what’s available.
COPPER DOG WAFFLES & COFFEE
Offering waffles as good as the old dog of its namesake, Copper Dog Waffles & Coffee is a locally loved spot on Main Street in Mandan.
Two local families with deep Mandan roots opened the business in 2019.
“The opportunity to open a unique restaurant concept on Main Street Mandan has been a dream of ours for a long time,” says owner Brittany Kennedy.
Copper Dog’s one-of-a-kind waffles with Instagram-worthy toppings ensure a unique, memorable experience. Plus, coffee beans are roasted weekly in Mandan by a local roaster, Coal Country Coffee, and served to customers at reasonable prices. Onsite catering and events are also offered.
Both sweet and savory waffles are available. Try the Copper Dog classic banana nut waffle, topped with caramel sauce, bananas, walnuts, cinnamon and whipped cream, or the popular cinnamon roll waffle with its signature homemade icing.
The space was created by families with family and community in mind.
“Creating a community atmosphere where anyone can find something to eat or drink was a driving factor in creating this business. We envisioned a space for people to feel comfortable while they socialize with family and friends,” Kennedy says. “We’re grateful to be a part of Mandan!”
Check out Copper Dog 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday and online at copperdogcafe.com, plus on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
RUSHMORE MOUNTAIN TAFFY SHOP, ND
Kids and adults alike have been going back year after year to a beloved local taffy shop in the iconic Old West town of Medora. Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop, ND has been a staple in the community for more than three decades.
The store originated in South Dakota in 1967, then George and Kathryn Stverak bought it in 1980. In 1994, they opened the second store in Medora. Today, siblings Anita and Jason Stverak carry on the family tradition.
Taffy is freshly made in small batches and sold at the Medora location. Year-round flavors vary from fruity watermelon and green apple to unique flavors like huckleberry, dill pickle and fireweed. Plus, rotating and seasonal taffy, such as marshmallow and bombsicle flavors, keep it interesting. Other treats to satisfy your sweet tooth include caramels and peanut brittle.
“Each piece of candy is made with love and care, using only the finest ingredients. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll taste the difference that our handcrafted treats offer,” Anita says.
In addition to shopping the storefront located at 320 Pacific Ave. in Medora, the shop also offers wholesale orders, fundraisers and custom candy for special occasions.
When visiting Medora and the new Theodore Roosvelt Presidential Library after it opens this summer, be sure to indulge your sweet tooth at the local taffy shop.
Rushmore Mountain Taffy Shop, ND is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday in May, with extended summer hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning after June 1. Visit the shop online at rushmoremountaintaffy.com.
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Cally Peterson is signing off as editor of North Dakota Living. Thank you for reading!
