Doughnuts. Mrs. R. H. Johnson. Recipe

History of Doughnuts:

Doughnuts, also known as donuts, have a long and fascinating history that spans various cultures around the world. The exact origin of the doughnut is unclear, but it is believed to have ancient roots. One theory suggests that ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed a similar fried dough treat called "oily cakes." These cakes were made by frying dough in olive oil and then sweetening them with honey or sprinkling them with various toppings.

In the 19th century, Dutch settlers brought a recipe for "olykoeks," which translates to "oily cakes," to America. These olykoeks were deep-fried balls of dough that were often filled with fruits or nuts. Over time, the name evolved to "doughnuts," and the recipe continued to evolve with different variations and flavors.

Fun Facts about Doughnuts:

- National Doughnut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June in the United States. This day honors the "Doughnut Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.
- The largest doughnut ever made was an impressive 16 feet in diameter and weighed over 3 tons! It was created in 1998 in Utica, New York.
- The Guinness World Record for the most doughnuts eaten in under 10 minutes is held by Takeru Kobayashi, who consumed 13 glazed doughnuts in 2003.
- The famous American fast-food chain, Dunkin' Donuts, was founded in 1950 and has since become one of the largest coffee and doughnut chains worldwide.

Now, let's dive into a classic recipe for Mrs. R. H. Johnson's doughnuts:

Recipe for Doughnuts (Mrs. R. H. Johnson's Recipe):

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 2 eggs
- Butter (size of a small egg)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A little salt
- Flour (enough to roll the doughnuts)
- Lard (for frying)
- Piece of apple or potato (for frying)

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and sweet milk. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the eggs and beat well until the mixture is smooth.
3. Melt the butter and add it to the bowl, followed by the baking powder and salt. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. Gradually add enough flour to form a soft dough, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be firm enough to roll in your hand without sticking.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
6. Use a doughnut cutter or a drinking glass and a smaller round object (like a shot glass or bottle cap) to create the classic doughnut shape. Cut out the doughnuts and set aside.
7. Heat the lard in a deep skillet or fryer to about 375°F (190°C). Adding a small piece of apple or potato to the lard will help maintain a consistent frying temperature.
8. Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot lard, cooking a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown on each side, turning once with a slotted spoon.
9. Remove the fried doughnuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
10. Optional: Dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or glaze with your favorite icing.
11. Serve the doughnuts warm and enjoy!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoy making doughnuts, you might also be interested in exploring other delicious fried dough treats from different cultures. Here are a few similar dishes worth trying:

1. Churros: A popular Spanish treat made from choux pastry dough that is deep-fried until crispy and typically dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

2. Beignets: A famous French doughnut, usually square-shaped, made from deep-fried choux pastry dough. They are often served hot and dusted with powdered sugar.

3. Loukoumades: Also known as Greek honey puffs, these fluffy dough balls are deep-fried until golden brown, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

4. Gulab Jamun: A sweet Indian dessert made by deep-frying balls of dough made from milk solid powder (khoya), and then soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water.

Each of these treats has its own unique flavor and history, making them a delightful exploration for any doughnut lover. Have fun experimenting with these variations and enjoy the world of fried dough goodness!