National Doughnut Day

Today marks the 73rd year of the National Doughnut Day. This day honors the sugary-sweet pastries as well as the women of The Salvation Army who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War I. The "doughnut lassies" as they were called, also continued the tradition by preparing and serving the fried orbs to hungry soldiers in WWII.

The doughnut is the quintessential pastry of America. Doughnuts fly in the face of traditional and snobby European-style pastries. At their foundation, the simple, sweet dough is fried, then topped with anything from simple powdered sugar to fluorescent-pink glaze with candy sprinkles. Whether you're in the mood for a hefty apple fritter or a lightly dusted crueller, doughnuts are an irresistible American icon.

If you'd like to try your hand at being a doughnut lassie, I've included the original recipe used by The Salvation Army way back in 1938. Simple ingredients, simple prep, delicious results. The recipe will make a bunch - so invite the family and friends over, and don't feel limited to serve them just for breakfast, these are delicious any time of the day!

SALVATION ARMY LASSIES’ DOUGHNUT RECIPE

Yield: 4 doz. doughnuts

5 C flour
2 C sugar
5 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 C milk
Oil/Lard for frying

DIRECTIONS

• Combine all ingredients (except for oil) in a large bowl to make a dough.

• Knead dough for 3-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a disc, then roll out on a lightly floured board to about 3/8" thick. Cut dough using a 2-3" diameter water glass or metal ring cutter. If you want your doughnuts with holes, use a smaller circle cutter to make the holes in the middle. (When finding items to cut out doughnut circles, be creative!)

• Heat oil until a thermometer reads 375. Carefully drop the rings into the oil, several at a time, cooking in batches to keep the oil temp from dropping too low. Using tongs, turn the doughnuts over slowly to help cook evenly.

• When browned, remove doughnuts, place on wire rack and allow excess fat to drip off.

• Dust with powdered sugar, sugar and cinnamon, drizzle with warm Nutella, maple glaze, chocolate chips, coconut, anything your doughnut dreams desire! Let cool and enjoy.