Doughnuts. Mrs. P. O. Sharpless. Recipe

History of Doughnuts

Doughnuts, also spelled donuts, have a long and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The exact origin of these delightful treats is somewhat disputed, with various theories suggesting different origins. However, a commonly accepted theory traces the roots of doughnuts to early Dutch settlers in America.

It is believed that Dutch immigrants brought with them a pastry called "olykoeks," which translates to "oil cakes." These olykoeks were made by frying sweet dough balls in hot oil. As time passed, the dough was further enriched with ingredients like eggs, sugar, and spices, and the modern doughnut was born.

In the late 19th century, one of the most iconic doughnut shapes, the ring, was introduced. Legend has it that an American sea captain named Hansen Gregory impaled a fried doughnut on the wheel of his ship to free his hands while steering. This resulted in a doughnut with a hole in the center, and thus, the ring-shaped doughnut was born.

Over the years, doughnuts have gained immense popularity worldwide. They have become a staple in breakfast menus, a beloved snack, and even a guilty pleasure for many. Doughnuts can be found in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, ranging from simple glazed rings to filled, frosted, and topped creations that cater to every taste.

Recipe for Mrs. P. O. Sharpless's Doughnuts:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1 pint buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
- Flour, sufficient for a soft dough
- Shortening (if sour cream is not available)

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until well combined.
2. Add the sour cream and buttermilk to the sugar and egg mixture. If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of shortening for a similar texture.
3. Stir in the baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg, adjusting the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
4. Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough is formed. The exact amount of flour may vary, so add it slowly until the dough reaches the desired consistency.
5. Once the dough is soft and pliable, flour a clean surface and turn out the dough onto it.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm).
7. Using a doughnut cutter or a round cookie cutter, cut out doughnut shapes from the rolled-out dough. You can also use the rim of a glass if you don't have a cutter.
8. Carefully transfer the cut doughnuts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased lightly with shortening.
9. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to approximately 375°F (190°C).
10. Gently slide a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
11. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
12. Repeat the frying process until all the doughnuts are cooked, adjusting the heat if necessary to maintain the desired frying temperature.
13. Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before glazing or dusting them with powdered sugar, if desired.
14. Serve the doughnuts fresh and enjoy their warm and delectable taste!

Fun Facts about Doughnuts:

1. National Doughnut Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June each year. It originated in 1938 to honor the Salvation Army "Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.
2. The world's largest doughnut was made in Utica, New York, in 1993. It weighed a whopping 1.7 tons!
3. The Guinness World Record for the most doughnuts eaten in three minutes without using hands is held by Patrick Bertoletti, who devoured a remarkable total of 31 glazed doughnuts in 2012.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

Doughnuts have inspired various adaptations and similar recipes across different cuisines. Some popular variations include:

1. Beignets: These fluffy, square-shaped pastries originate from French cuisine. Beignets are made from choux pastry that is deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar.
2. Churros: Often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate, churros are a Spanish treat made from a simple dough that is piped through a star-shaped nozzle, fried until crispy, and coated in cinnamon sugar.
3. Loukoumades: These Greek honey doughnuts are small, round, and fried until golden brown. They are then typically soaked in a honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed walnuts.
4. Krapfen: These German and Austrian doughnuts are similar to the classic American doughnut but are typically filled with various sweet fillings such as jam or custard.
5. Trouxas de Ovos: A Portuguese delicacy, these doughnut-like pastries are made from egg yolks and sugar and are usually served in traditional celebrations or as a dessert.

These variations highlight the versatility and universal appeal of doughnuts, ensuring their place as a beloved treat across the globe.