What’s your favorite donut? Is it jelly filled? Covered in cinnamon and sugar? Are you a old fashioned glazed kind of girl? Or, is it an apple fritter, which I guess isn’t really a donut but, does that even matter? Friday, June 4th is National Donut Day and I jumped at the chance to write this post because what’s better than a donut?! Once, my then 5 year old daughter proclaimed that, “Donuts are LIFE!” Maybe a little extreme but, I think she was not far off. I mean, is it breakfast? Is it a snack? Is it dessert? YES! IT IS!
Houston:: The Donut Capital of the United States
Okay, I don’t know if that’s really true but, when we first moved to Houston, I noticed that there are donut shops in pretty much every strip mall and on every corner of the city. It’s delightfully bizarre. There’s the tried and true like Shipley Do-Nuts {their glazed donut is pretty much the best glazed donut ever}. The southern staple, Krispy Kreme Donuts {catch them when the hot light is on in the window…melts in your mouth}. Then there are flashy new comers like Hurts Donuts {Red Velvet Donut with Cream Cheese frosting? Yes, please!} and Voodoo Doughnut {three words:: Spicy. Margarita. Cannolo. Insanely good!}. So many donuts, so little time.
Free Donuts! Get Your Free Donuts!
Believe it or not, this celebration of donuts dates back to 1938 and began as a fundraiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army. Since then, it has evolved into a full fledged national observance with freebies literally everywhere. Here are just a few places where you can get your donut fix in the Houston area on June 4th:
Dunkin’ Donuts
All day long on Friday, June 4, participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide are offering guests a free classic donut of their choice with the purchase of any beverage, while supplies last.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Most Shipley locations will be offering a free glazed donut with purchase.
Voodoo Doughnut
This year on Friday, June 4th, Voodoo Doughnut will be offering $1 Homer Doughnuts {strawberry frosting and sprinkles} in celebration of this delicious holiday with a portion of proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. This offer will be available at all nine Voodoo Doughnut shops in Oregon, Denver, and Texas, {including the two Houston locations, one in Montrose and the other on Washington and Waugh}.
The Sweet Boutique
If mochi donuts are your thing {of course they are!}, The Sweet Boutique in Sugar Land is offering 40% off any mochi donut order made online for pick-up at the bakery. Online orders may be placed from June 1st through June 4th for pick-up only {sorry, no delivery}. To order, go to https://www.tsbcakes.com/online-ordering
As always, it’s best to call ahead to confirm your location of choice is participating in the promotion.
Bonus:: It’s a Recipe
It’s not easy to find a good gluten free donut any time I want one, so I’ve gotten pretty good at making them myself. Since I’m in a celebratory mood, I’m sharing the recipe for a family favorite. You may substitute regular flour for gluten free flour and they turn out just as scrumptious.
Apple Pie Spice {Gluten Free} Donuts
2 cups apple cider {may substitute apple juice}
2 cups gluten free all purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons melted butter
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
First, pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and reduce down to about 1/2 cup, simmering on medium-low for about 15-20 minutes. You may use apple juice if you don’t have any apple cider on hand. After it’s reduced, set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, add the gluten-free flour into a medium size bowl. You may use regular flour if you so choose.
Next, add in the following:: baking soda, baking powder, apple pie spice and salt to the flour mixture. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the following ingredients: large egg, oil, vanilla, buttermilk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and apple cider.
Next, combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix everything thoroughly. Do not over mix or the dough could become tough. I actually start mixing just a few beats on an electric mixer set to low, then I switch to a large wooden spoon to gently fold.
Lightly spray a donut pan and pour batter in about half way from the top of each donut. I use a piping bag or a sandwich bag {cut the tip} to pipe the batter into the pan.
Bake the donuts at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Donuts should spring back if you gently press down on top. Let cool for a few minutes before taking out of the pan.
While donuts are cooling, melt the butter and combine dry ingredients for the topping in a bowl. Once donuts are out of the pan, brush melted butter over the donuts, then roll each donut in the topping.
This recipe makes about 24 small/medium sized donuts and they’re pretty perfect {if I may say so myself}!
Whether you make them yourself, or take advantage of a delicious giveaway, enjoy a most delicious National Donut Day celebration!
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