Rosette Patty Irons

Golden History Museum & Park Rosette Patty Irons

Tucked in the collection of Golden History Museum & Park is a small unassuming box. Inside are two iron molds in the shapes of a heart and a circle. Listed as “Rosette Patty Irons,” these pieces point to a larger story of immigration in not only Golden, but the United States as well. While the pieces are not tied to a specific donor, the rosette irons were made by the Alfred Andresen & Co. in Minneapolis (1893-1913) that marketed cooking utensils to the regional Swedish immigrant population.

Rosettes are a light, deep-fried cookie often served coated with powdered sugar. Scandinavian in origin, the cookies are commonly made during the Christmas season. Similar versions of the cookie exist in other countries, each originating separately. The iron is to be coated in batter (made with sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and flour), then dipped in hot oil until the crispy cookie falls off. While a floral shape is common, other shapes are also found in the museum collection.

Golden and its surrounding area had its fair share of immigrants from Sweden, and it seems likely the rosette irons are from one such family. Looking through census records from the late 1880s through the early 1900s, Swedish immigrants are not uncommon to find. Many built their lives and families here, with children frequently having Colorado listed as their birthplace. According to the Library of Congress, between 1861 and 1881, 150,000 Swedes immigrated to the United States. Not only did companies and local governments recruit immigrants to the west, but the promise of open land also encouraged westward movement.

Looking to make your own holiday cookies? Our favorite recipe for pepparkakor, a classic Swedish ginger cookie, is posted at GoldenHistory.org/blog. The spices in the cookie may have been a treat to add in during the holidays, and the sugar piping provided a chance to express some artistic talent.

Rosette Irons set and box with an illustration of various related products, troubleshooting hints when frying rosettes, and a recipe for rosette wafers and patties. Product manufactured by Alfred Andresen & Co. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Credit: Golden History Museum & Park, City of Golden Collection.

Homestead for the Holidays

Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2 - 5 p.m.

Join us at the Golden History Park on Dec. 17 from 2 - 5 p.m. for Homestead for the Holidays to experience the winter season just like the pioneers did. This familyfriendly event will have you strolling through the Golden History Park to explore different pioneer practices – from polka in the schoolhouse to Swedish cookies in the Pearce/ Helps Cabin. Tickets are required. For more information: GoldenHistory.org/events.

Photo © Andrew Terrill

Golden History Museum & Park • 923 10th St. • 303-278-3557 Check www.goldenhistory.org for hours of operation, calendar of programs, and special event details.