Honoring the Universal Comfort Food on Women’s Day
Every 6th of June, the world celebrates Women’s Day, a day dedicated to one of the most universally cherished and comforting treats: donuts.
While there are countless variations like glazed, filled, or chocolate-covered donuts, the traditional donut holds a special charm. Its crispy texture on the first bite and its ability to dissolve effortlessly in coffee make it a timeless classic.
A Historical Journey of the Donut
The origins of this delightful treat can be traced back to Dutch settlers in North America during the 17th century, who brought with them their “olykoek” or “oil cake,” a deep-fried dough that evolved over time.
It was an American sailor, Hanson Gregory, who in 1847 punched a hole through the center of the dough, allowing for better cooking and creating the donut with a hole as we know it today.
Enjoying Donuts at Home: An Oven-less, Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Today, making donuts at home is not only possible but also a delightful experience. This oven-less, cinnamon sugar-covered recipe is perfect for celebrating Women’s Day with flavor and tradition.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Basic Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Additional: Granulated sugar for coating.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- On a heatproof surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness.
- Cut out donut shapes using a glass or cookie cutter and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
- While donuts are frying, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a plate.
- Once fried, let donuts cool for a minute, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Hanson Gregory? An American sailor who, in 1847, punched a hole through the center of donut dough, creating the donut with a hole as we know it today.
- What is the origin of donuts? Their roots can be traced back to Dutch settlers in North America during the 17th century, who brought their “olykoek” or “oil cake,” a deep-fried dough that evolved over time.
- How can I make donuts at home without an oven? Use this simple, oven-less recipe with basic ingredients and a cinnamon sugar coating.
