The Hungry Hoosier

Square Donut

It was 1967 when Richard Comer sold his first square donut putting Terre Haute "squarely" on the morning pastry map (should such a map exist). There are conflicting stories about how they came about. Some stories present Comer as a marketing genius looking for a way to set his product apart from the competition. Other stories are more function than form - a salesman made him a deal on a square cutter he was trying to unload. Regardless, the Comer's have been selling them for five decades and have recently opened another shop in Bloomington.

I stopped by for a couple the last time I was in Terra Haute and they certainly were a tasty donut but I'm not sure, if shutting my eyes, I could tell the difference between the it and the circle versions found in a few other good shops around the state. Still, they are quite the novelty and have attracted some national attention. There are two locations in Terre Haute - 930 Wabash Ave. and 2417 E. Fort Harrison Road. Both locations are open daily from 7 to 10:45 am.

Clabber Girl, Terre Haute

I've spent some time in Terre Haute over the last few weeks and had a chance to visit the Clabber Girl Museum and Bake Shop. I have to admit, I was not all that thrilled about it but my apathy proved to be way off base. This is an absolutely first-class operation. The Bake Shop was particularly impressive. Nearly every menu item features something baked using, of course, Clabber Girl Baking Powder. Sandwiches are made using a flatbread and breakfast items include biscuits and gravy other other Clabber Girl-inspired offerings. I had already had lunch but did have a chocolate chip cookie. It was great - soft and chewy like the very best homemade-style. The complete menu is available here. I'll definitely be back for lunch...and more cookies!