National Donut Day

Since 1938, when the Salvation Army instituted the holiday, the first Friday of June has been designated as "National Donut Day".  This year you can make your plans to take advantage of NDD.

On Friday morning you can visit Krispy Kreme and receive a free donut (no purchase necessary).  And Donkin Donuts will give anyone a free donut with the purchase of a drink.

You know I'll be there! 

See you on National Donut Day.  Friday, June 1.

And thank you, Salvation Army!

A Donut By Any Other Name

At a volunteer lunch on Wednesday we were asked to name as many types of donuts as possible in one minute.  I started naming and the clock began ticking.

But the more donuts I named, the hungrier I became.  I felt like one of Pavlov's dogs drooling over the sound of a bell.  Someone mentions "donuts" and I begin thinking about eating them.

I also imagine that Plato had a notion of the perfect donut . . . a donut set on the ideal plain.  A donut fit for heaven that formed the ideal for donuts everywhere.

I'm still searching for that donut . . . and some day I hope to find it.  But the search itself is the wonder.  It's not the donut destination I'm after, but the journey to it.

Donut Donations

Last week, at a grocery store checkout aisle, I was asked to make a $1.00 donation that would provide donuts for an inner-city ministry to the poor.  I was all over it.  Donuts and donations?  I purchased breakfast for a dozen people.  How could I not?

I had not given it much thought, but donuts do travel well.  They can be carted in boxes or bags, and even in the extremes of cold or heat, they hold up well in the trenches.  Better yet, I'm sure a donut packs a greater calorie whollop than most any food ounce-per-ounce.

I was glad to place these donuts on the street.  I feel an affinity toward those who will bite into them.

Of course I've always known that donuts and ministry go hand-in-hand.  Wasn't that the way that Jesus fed the 5000?

Or was that some other food?

Tops

Reading my Top Pot Doughnut Recipe book, I have learned that Top Pot provides some 4-million doughnuts to Starbucks restaurants wordwide.  That's a bunch of baking.

And as far as distrubution goes, that would make Top Pot one of the major players in dough.  Add it all up, you get a company that's far more than a mom-and-pop establishment.

Surprisingly, the Top Pot book also pointed out that, as the economy has taken a nose-dive, comfort foods like doughnuts have been on the rise.  People eat more, I suppose to drown their sorrows.  (While I, on the other hand, eat because these things taste so good!)

I may not be an expert on many things, but doughnuts happen to be one of my specialties.  I had not considered it before, but if I was shown a display of various doughnuts, I could probably identify their origins and company very easily.

And yes, Top Pot Doughnuts have a look, too.  I should know.  I've been to the circus in Seattle and I've seen the show.  These are some of the best doughnuts in the country.

Trust me.

(Just don't eat yourself into an early grave!)

Return to Top Pot

After reading my pre-Father's-day donut book, I've learned a great deal about Top Pot Doughnuts based in Seattle.  Consider, for example, that this bakery churns out over four million donuts a day (holy cow, that's a lot of dough and a lot of dough!).  Many of these doughnuts end up in the display cases at Starbucks.

Now I know where these doughnuts come from, and why I will likely look to Starbucks as a source of Top Pot delights.  The old-fashioned donuts in the Starbucks displays, especially, are probably Top Pot fare, even in Indiana.

When Becky and I visited Top Pot in Seattle (the original), we discovered a place where people were willing to stand in line in the rain.  (Of course, in Seattle, you are likely standing in the rain for most everything.)  Nevertheless, there was an apparent pull into this bakery and some of the rain that was falling was drool.

I shall continue to look over these doughnut recipes.  But without a fryer, I'm a my wits end.

I wonder . . . would a fryer make a great father's day gift?

Until we find the answers remember . . . all things, even donuts, in moderation!

My Father's Day Gift

Late Saturday night, after a celebratory graduation dinner on Mass Ave., my wife and I walked into a small shop that still had its doors open.  After some minutes of perusing the aisles, my wife announced that she was buying my father's day gift in advance.  (Never mind that I am not my wife's father and I don't expect her to buy me gifts for any occasion, even birthdays and Christmas . . . but I had to say yes when she pointed to this book title.)

Top Pot Hand-Forged Doughnuts: Secrets and Recipes for the Home Baker

Now, there's a story here.

Last summer my wife and I were blessed to visit the Pacific northwest, and our last stop was Seattle, where we not only visited and drank a cup at the original Starbucks, but we also happened upon the Top Pot bakery before our departure flight.  This turned out to be an iconic doughnut mecca (though we had not heard of it), and was fascinating on all fronts:  atmosphere, ambiance, aromas, auditory, and much more.

(See my original blogs here for more on our Top Pot visit.)

The book is now in my possession and is a father's day gift.  I'm learning much from reading this book . . . not only about the history of doughnuts, but also about how doughnuts are made (and how I can make them at home using these Top Pot recipes).

Over the next 3-4 blog posts, I'm also going to share some tidbits from my learning . . . doughnut lore, statistics, and some personal favorites.

Stay tuned.  I'm glad my wife loved me enough to buy this book with her hard-earned cash.  I might even make her a doughnut some evening. 

Back to the Bakery

This wonderful morning led me back to Hilligoss in Brownsburg where, after eating an apricot danish and decaf coffee, I purchased some glazed donuts for the Calvary staff.

There's something relaxed and relaxing about eating in a bakery, watching the sun rise, greeting other customers and telling them, "I worked here a few months ago and I know how they bake these things!"

Naturally, people don't like meeting weirdos so early in the morning and most walk away, their mouths stuffed full of pastry.

Surprisingly, for a Thursday morning, the clientele was steady and alert.  There were boxes purchased, and sacks.  Some folks just wanted coffee.

And if you haven't visited Hilligoss lately, might be time for a donut.

Just remember:  all things in moderation . . . especially donuts.

Vanilla Bean Bakery Experience

The Vanilla Bean Bakery (86th Street, Indianapolis) is a quaint, drop-in bakery that specializes in muffins, baked snacks, and cupcakes.  Anyone looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a dinner dessert can't go wrong with the fare.

I stopped by the Vanilla Bean for a cup of coffee and two coconut cupcakes and, believe me, they go down easy. 

The space is also intimate and has all the makings of a drop-by meeting place for casual conversation and low-profile business meetings.  And the location is a fine option for those who live in Indianapolis, Carmel, or who are visiting St. Vincents hospital. 

I'll be back to the Vanilla Bean soon. And if you happen to driving past Towne road, take a look north on 86th street and you'll catch a glimpse of yet another option for your sweet tooth.

Or just stop by to say "Hi".