National Donut Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday of June. This event began in 1938 as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. The idea came from the Salvation Army women of World War I who served donuts to soldiers. Known as ‘Donut Dollies’, these women volunteers of the Salvation Army traveled to France to support American Soldiers.
By 1938, the goal was to help those in need during the Great Depression.
Some Donut History
Doughnuts have been around for centuries, although the modern doughnut in America became better known during the 19th century from the influence of Dutch immigrants. The ring shape came from efforts to prevent a raw center and create even frying by punching a hole in the center.
The name for this tasty treat is interchangeably known as donut or doughnut. Doughnut was the original name, with donut becoming a shortened version.
Since ‘doughnuts’ are made from a small lump of sweetened ‘dough’ and ‘nut’ is a way of saying “a small lump”, it is easy to see how this pastry’s name came about.
Personal Favorite Donut Story
My high school years were at a time when Driver’s Education was still taught as part of the school curriculum during school hours. We had some classroom instructions, interspersed with actual driving times. There were three of us girls in the driving part of my class and our time was around 10 a.m. One morning we drove down a street that had a Dunkin Donuts store and we girls begged our instructor to let us stop and get donuts. He said no because, if he did it for us, he’d have to do it for everyone. We promised we wouldn’t tell anyone! He finally relented (to our delight), but said if anyone from class said anything, he’d know one of us ‘told’ and we would lose any further ‘privileges’. None of us EVER told! :)
Summary
This fried dough delicacy has evolved through time and today is available in a wide range of flavors, shapes and toppings. It is now a beloved treat enjoyed around the world.
Whether you frequent a favorite local bakery or donut shop, or make your own homemade donuts, these small sweet fried cakes are a favorite with everyone.
National Donut Day1st Friday in June
Donut Related Links:
- Homemade Donut Recipe
- Air Fryer Sugar Cinnamon Biscuit Bites by Sam Monaco
- Review of Cafe du Monde in New Orleans by Wednesday Elf
*Donut Day Review written by Wednesday Elf
Kitchen Accessories for Making Your Own Homemade Donuts
Ray loves donuts and the first Tuesday of each month several of his high school friends come to our house for Donut day. They take turns bringing donuts and they all enjoy heading over old times.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to enjoy donuts. And fun that Ray's friendships go back to high school. My son-in-law has long-time friends like that too. He even had a kindergarten reunion a few years ago.
DeleteThis fun and delicious holiday has a fascinating history, Elf! I love that it originated as a Salvation Army fundraiser, first to benefit the soldiers in WWI and then to help those in need during the Great Depression.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy learning the history behind these unique holidays, Margaret. Thanks for your visit.
DeleteOhhhh, I love donuts! We should have Donut Month, not just limit it to a day of celebration. Now, I just know your Driver's Ed classmates are reading this post and are hot as the frying oil over the fact that they didn't get to stop for donuts too. I would be! It is the weirdest thing. When we travel anywhere, our car just seems to drive itself into the Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts. I bet your drivers ed car had the same malfunction :)
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