Doughnuts. Mrs. G. H. Wright. Recipe

History of Doughnuts:

Doughnuts, also known as donuts, are a beloved sweet treat that have been enjoyed for centuries. The origins of this delightful pastry can be traced back to early Dutch settlers in America, who brought with them a pastry known as "olykoeks," which translates to "oily cakes." These olykoeks were balls of sweet dough that were deep-fried in animal fat.

Over time, the olykoeks evolved into the modern-day doughnuts we know and love. The name "doughnut" came about in the early 19th century when a New England ship captain's mother made him deep-fried dough with a hole in the center to ensure it cooked evenly. Her son referred to them as "doughnuts," and the name stuck.

Fun Facts about Doughnuts:

1. National Doughnut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June. It was established in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army Lassies, who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

2. The world's largest doughnut, weighing a whopping 1.7 tons, was created in 1993 in Utica, New York.

3. The Guinness World Record for the most doughnuts eaten in three minutes without using hands is held by Patrick Bertoletti, who consumed 13 doughnuts in that time period.

4. Doughnuts are popular in many cultures around the world. In Poland, they are called "pączki" and are traditionally consumed on Fat Tuesday. In India, they are known as "vada" and are a popular street food.

Recipe for Mrs. G. H. Wright's Doughnuts:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour milk
- 1 level teaspoon soda combined with milk
- 2 eggs
- Butter or lard the size of a small egg
- A little nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- Flour for rolling out
- Lard for frying

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and sour milk. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the soda in the milk and add it to the sugar and milk mixture. Mix well.

3. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and add them to the mixture. Stir until well-combined.

4. Melt the butter or lard and add it to the mixture, along with the nutmeg and salt. Mix thoroughly.

5. Gradually add flour to the mixture until a soft dough forms. The amount of flour needed may vary, but it should be enough to roll out easily without sticking.

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about half an inch. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out the doughnuts. If you don't have a doughnut cutter, you can use a round biscuit cutter for the outer shape and a smaller one for the center hole.

7. Heat the lard in a deep fryer or a large, deep pot to around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot lard, frying them until golden brown on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

8. Once fried, remove the doughnuts from the lard and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

9. Optionally, you can glaze or sugarcoat the doughnuts while they are still warm. Traditional glazes include chocolate, vanilla, or maple, while sugarcoating involves rolling the warm doughnuts in granulated or powdered sugar.

10. Serve the doughnuts warm and enjoy!

Similar Doughnut Recipes:

1. Cake Doughnuts: These doughnuts are made with a cake-like batter and are often topped with a glaze or powdered sugar.

2. Filled Doughnuts: These doughnuts have a hollow center that is filled with various fillings such as fruit preserves, chocolate, or cream.

3. Yeast-Raised Doughnuts: These doughnuts are made with a yeast-based dough that requires rising time. They have a light and fluffy texture.

4. Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts: These doughnuts are made with sour cream in the batter, giving them a rich and tangy flavor.

Remember to have fun while making these delicious doughnuts, and feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique twist. Enjoy!