National Donut Day - A Holiday Review

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. 

Other words for donuts include cake, pastry, sweet bun, Danish, sinker, dunker, and crueller. Then we have the popular New Orleans fried doughnut with powdered sugar called a Beignet! Served in many restaurants around the country, beignets are most famously known at New Orleans’ Cafe du Monde. 

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 Day

1st 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

 

Bellemain Premiere Donut Pan for Baking | Nonstick 12.5 x 8.5” Doughnut Pan with 6-Doughnut Molds | Steel Donut Trays | Make Perfect Bagels and Cake Donuts (2)

HULISEN Donut Cutter, 3.5 inch Stainless Steel Doughnut Cutter with Soft Grip Handle, and Small Biscuit Cutter, Professional Baking Dough Tools, Gift Package

Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker Machine for Home, 6 x 3'' Mini Doughnut Maker Machine, Donut Maker for Kids, Maquina Para Hacer Donas, Donut Baking Pan, Donut Party, Aqua

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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