Everything Interesting About Donuts

Donuts, Doughnuts, and Donut Burgers

1. We have a lot to thank the Dutch for in this country. Santa Claus for one. Bowling for another. And ice skating, of course. But most of all we can thank them for donuts.  In “The History of Doughnuts“, Tori Avey, quoting from her trusty Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink, says, “Doughnuts are deep-fried cakes with a long European history and roots in still earlier Middle Eastern cuisine. They were introduced to America by the Dutch in New Netherlands to America as oliekoecken (oil cakes or fried cakes).” This fascinating article talks about the origins of donuts in Rome and Greece, explains where donuts got their holes, and the use of donuts to raise morale during World War I. As an added bonus, there’s a muppet “doughnut-making video” at the end.
2. As usual, Mental Floss can be counted on to provide plenty of information that will be useful during a game of Trivia Crack. In their article, “15 Delicious Facts About Doughnuts“, they relate that there are over 10 billion doughnuts made in the United States each year. You see, we weren’t exaggerating when we called it a national obsession. You’ll also learn who wrote about donuts first, the cute French name for donuts, and which city in the U.S. has the most donut shops.
3. If your tastes run more to the international, our next recommendation comes from The Food Network. In their article, “Around the World in Doughnuts“, they’ve assembled a beautiful slide show of worldwide donuts. There are the well-known Mexican churros, the lesser known Italian zeppoles, and the mostly unknown north Indian balushahi. After “visiting” France, Portugal, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, and Germany, we’re pretty sure you’ll be on the hunt for one of these tasty treats. Hint: you can get some similar varieties right here at Grebe’s.
4. If you’re one of those people who find traditional donuts a little — well — boring, this next article is for you. Author Annelise McAuliffe has done her research and brought you “8 Outlandish Donut Flavors“. Are you tired of the classic long john? Try a wasabi cheese donut. Bored with crullers? (Gasp!) Well then, perhaps a poi doughnut will get your attention. Not outrageous enough yet? Then you must sample the donut bento box complete with a Fung Shui green tea donut and pocky chopsticks.
5. Next there is the donut for the person who has everything. The “Most Expensive Doughnut in the World“ is filled with champagne and topped with 24-karat gold. If you have an extra $1200 lying around, you can splurge on a dozen.
6. For those of you who like to read and then do-it-yourself, we offer “The Science Behind Doughnuts“. Be prepared to geek out on the differences between yeast and baking powder. The article ends with a recipe, but if you don’t want to dirty your kitchen, it’s easier to pay us a visit. We recommend that you buy a selection of yeast and cake donuts and decide for yourself which ones are better.
7. Finally, our list would not be complete if we didn’t introduce you to the double-decker donut burger. This heretofore unimaginable donut concoction was named one of the craziest state fair* foods at the Indiana State Fair in 2016. The Boston Bruins added it to their menu earlier this year, just in time for their appearance at the Stanley Cup finals. It’s a “double cheeseburger sandwiched between two glazed doughnuts with bacon, fried jalapeños, and crispy onions.” The reviewer couldn’t eat again for 12 hours.