National Donut Day is upon us. Whether you think this is a made up holiday or not, it’s an excuse to eat donuts. We’ll take it. The holiday does actually have a history to it, as the first National Donut Day was a fundraiser by Chicago’s Salvation Army to honor the women who served donuts to soldiers in World War I. These women were sometimes called “donut lassies” and helped popularize the donut in America (the troops were nicknamed “Doughboys”).
But here we are in 2024, still eating donuts, not as a symbol of patriotism but as a to-go breakfast snack from Dunkin’ Donuts or Krispy Kreme. We asked TABLE readers: What’s your favorite donut? Here’s some of what you picked, sourced from Bird on Broadway, Oakmont Bakery, Peace Love and Little Donuts, and Donut Connection in our Pittsburgh offices.
How We Celebrate National Donut Day
Maple Bacon
Pittsburgh Cream (An Oakmont Bakery specialty)
Blueberry Cake
Coconut
Plain Glaze
And a highlight, this enormous donut from Bird on Broadway. This is an entire meal.
If none of those are doing it for you, you can also check out some of our donut recipes to make your own.
Isfeng Andalusion Donuts
A recipe from Hélène Jawhara Piñer’s Sephardi: Cooking the History, which celebrates cooking as a part of Jewish history.
Keto Pumpkin Donuts
A healthier way to make donuts, if that’s what you’re into, using almond flour and unsweetened pumpkin purée.
However you’re celebrating, donuts are delicious and National Donut Day is a small way to bring something sweet into your daily life. Who doesn’t need that?
Story and photography by TABLE Team
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