Kuchen Expedition

At the last Dinner Club, I brought the dessert. I happened to have in my possession some of the best kuchen I have had.

OK, let me back up here. Last December, yep, last year, I purchased about nine different tasty individual Kuchen pies at the Pride of Dakota show. Patty and Nick Wagner, owners of Wagner’s Wagon, were selling them like, well, like hot cakes, at their booth.

When I saw those cute pies, I thought “Now that is what I will bring to Minneapolis for Christmas dinner.” Well, I brought them home, I froze them, and on Christmas Day, while sitting around the table at my brothers eating, I realized I had left them all in my freezer. Oh no!

So this last month I brought them to Dinner Club. I had caramel, sour cream and raisin, blue berry, plain, and peach. I would never have guessed the conversations that these would prompt, stories of how grandmothers and mothers made this dessert every week, and that it was a tradition in their families. So I thought, let’s talk to Patty and Nick and find out more about their business.

HPR: Patty and Nick, could you tell our readers a little about yourselves?

We were born and raised in North Dakota and want to retire here. We have no children, but our dog and cat keep us pretty busy and entertained.

HPR: Oh, and exactly where is Mercer, N.D.?

Mercer is about 50 miles north of Bismarck.

HPR: Could you tell us your background with your business?

Both of us have a German background. This is why we are making German kuchen, which is based on a family recipe that we modified. Nick challenged me to come up with an ice cream-custard recipe. This is how our soft serve ice cream was developed.

HPR: What about your business would you say is the most fun?

We enjoy the traveling and meeting people, despite the gas prices now. We also take pride in what we make.

HPR: How many Pride of Dakota Shows do you do a year?

Three.

HPR: Well, now for the heart of what got me to write this: Kountry Kuchen. My friends loved every single one of them I brought to the last Dinner Club. How did you get started?

We started with a concession trailer about seven years ago and served at different events specializing in German food, along with other items. Our customers wanted to know if they could buy our frozen products. It was difficult trying to carry enough frozen food along to sell from the concession trailer and the weather would not always cooperate, so we started doing craft shows, fairs, and other indoor events that allowed us to meet the public and sell our frozen foods.

Now, we are so busy with the indoor shows, we do not have time to operate our concession trailer.

HPR: Exactly what is kuchen?

We have been told that kuchen originated in Germany, but was called “kuga”, which was more like a coffee cake. When the people brought it over to America, they made a custard and poured it over fruit, with a yeast dough on the bottom. Every family that makes kuchen has their own recipe and a different way of making the German pastry.

HPR: What do you find to be the most inconvenient thing about having a business?

The rising costs today make it difficult to be competitive or to sell our product so people can actually afford it.

HPR: Do you ship them?

The costs are so high for shipping that we cannot justify mailing our product. They have to be shipped overnight with dry ice so they stay frozen and, of course, overnight shipping is very expensive.

HPR: And how many flavors are there?

We have 17 varieties and add 2 more flavors in the fall. We try to have all of these available at all times.
HPR: Why do you make so many different kinds of kuchen?

Variety is the spice of life. The expression on every face is amazing to see.

HPR: Which is the most popular?

The most popular are the peach and sour cream raisin--but then it varies, depending on the place or area that the event is being held.

HPR: The Kuchen that I purchased were individual size, which I liked, but can they be purchased larger?

We do not have time or space to make larger ones anymore. We tell everyone that each person can pick their favorite and, maybe, possibly, share it.

HPR: Besides The Pride of Dakota events where else do you have your products in the summer?

We have approximately ten businesses in Western North Dakota that sell our products. Just to mention a few of the events that we do, you can find our products at the State Fair, Grand Forks Fair, Big Iron and the Big One craft fairs. Just look for Wagner’s Wagon.

HPR: What other products do you sell?

We also make fudge and taffy, which are easy to mail. These products can be shipped any time during the year. If people come to the different shows or events, they can try our homemade custard (ice cream). We have the frozen custard also available in pints so they can take it home.

HPR: Is there anything you would like to tell our readers about your business that I have not asked?

When you purchase Kuchen in the store, it is always baked and ready to eat. Our Kuchen is made as a raw product, frozen, and you bake them when you want. This way the product is always fresh and leaves a wonderful aroma in your kitchen. We bake the Kuchen at the different shows for those who do not want to or have time to bake the product themselves. Therefore, you can obtain them baked or frozen for you to bake.

HPR: I know that you do not have a web page, but how would people find you and do you ship your product?

We are listed under the Pride of Dakota web page or they can e-mail us at with any questions or how they can obtain our kuchen because it is too costly to mail. Wagner’s Wagon, 311 14th Ave SW, Mercer ND 58559, (701) 448-9281.