As we scrolled through photos of historic downtown Winterset, it seemed too idyllic. Most people imagine small-town America to look like this. But, in reality, only portions of downtowns usually appear in photos. So would Winterset and its residents disappoint? We had to find out for ourselves.
We heard about The Bakery Unlimited and its apple fritters before our visit to Winterset, Iowa, so we looked for it as soon as we arrived downtown. But, just as expected, we were too late and missed tasting their famous apple fritters. So, with luck against us, we had to wait until Tuesday morning on our way out of town.
A Visit To An Acclaimed Bakery In Winterset, Iowa
Thanks to owners Katie Sparks and her dad, Jim, we had a little time to talk before she went home. Tired from working the night shift, Katie modestly told us her story. We talked beside the main baking table on hardwood floors that have undoubtedly been there for 100 years.
After earning her degree from Iowa State in Food Nutritional Research, her mom started The Bakery Unlimited in 1984 with recipes she created. A successful business grew along with its reputation around Winterset. Until recently, Katie lived in the Kansas City area but knew she needed to move back home to help with the bakery. They needed her help, and since she grew up in the bakery, she knew how to make all of its specialty items.
Just like most businesses during the pandemic, customers stayed home. But, even during these times, The Bakery Unlimited kept making necessities for the townspeople. Slowly, Katie and her loyal employees could add specialty items back into her daily routines.
These include pies like sour cream raisin, custard, rhubarb, and strawberry-rhubarb. Katie also makes a strawberry-rhubarb flavored bagel. Have you ever had a strawberry-rhubarb bagel? We need to try them! Along with these, cakes, different types of bread, cookies, scones, and cinnamon rolls, to name a few more.
People Help Each Other In Small Towns
In a small town, people treat each other like family. One of The Bakery’s customers regularly comes from Waukee, a suburb of West Des Moines. Just like people in a small town do, he likes to help others in any way he can. During Spring, his rhubarb plants produce much more than he needs. Much, much more. He helps by giving large quantities to Katie for her to use in her baked goods. I think we can all use a few more neighbors like this.
Speaking of rhubarb, check out our article and some fun recipes to try.
Behind The Scenes At The Bakery
While speaking with Katie and her dad, some of their vintage industrial kitchen equipment caught my eye. I’m naturally curious, so I asked about a few pieces. One of them, a bread slicer, is over 100 years old. Her dad said that old machinery is made better and doesn’t break down; they are simple and built to last. Another, a sheeter, is about 100 years old too. Additionally, he thinks a dough divider with a rounder was built in 1925. So for some things, modern technology is good for us, but for older machines like these, we need to keep them running.
A Madison County Moment
Business is getting back to normal as the pandemic loosens its grip on everyone’s everyday lives. Tuesday morning, we stopped on our way out of town. I watched a group of retired men and women filter in the door within a few minutes of each other. People came from all over the county. They specifically come here daily to sit, drink coffee, and chat for a while. Each person ribbed each other as one motherly lady walked over to the coffee pot, then brought it back to the dark wood-grain table. During the banter, she poured the steaming coffee into each cup. They’ve been coming here so long she knows how each person likes it.
I admiringly watched this whole scene play out, and I thought to myself, this is what America is all about. Neighbors, smiles, laughing and helping each other. Katie told me that this is a typical scene each morning, but soon the tables will fill up, and there will be a line to the door.
Indeed, this was a “Madison County Moment” where life slows down in front of your eyes, making you stop and smile. Moments like these create a desire to take a chair at the table and introduce yourself.
Finally, Tuesday Morning and Apple Fritters
We took our apple fritters in a to-go bag but had one regret. Yes, they were the best apple fritters we’ve ever had. But different. You see, most are thick and dense with little apple flavor. Katie’s are light and fluffy with a strong cinnamon taste on the first bite. With just the right amount of glaze, we were in heaven. Then, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, big chunky apple pieces appeared within the batter. Not tiny little diced cubes; we’re talking about big chunks. One of the fritters had an apple nugget that could have been in an apple pie! Amazing is a grossly overused word. These were amazing, and we might even have heard the angels sing.
Our one regret was that we couldn’t stay, pull up a chair, and enjoy the best small-town atmosphere found in America. But, one day, we’ll come back to Winterset, and we’ll pull up those chairs and stay for a while.
Thank you, Madison County, for hosting us. All opinions are our own.
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