I Bet You Dough-Not Know The History of This Tasty Treat by Kimberly Grist

A Brief History Of Doughnuts

Some things just can't be improved upon no matter how we try. Well, maybe in the case of doughnuts, we should begin with the removal of its center. 

In 1847, Hanson Gregory claimed to have been dissatisfied with the greasiness of doughnuts twisted in various shapes with raw centers. While working on a lime-trading ship, the sixteen-year-old claimed to have punched a hole in the dough's center with the ship's tin pepper box. Upon returning home, he taught the technique to his mother.

Spring forward to today, I don't know about you, but I find it almost impossible to pass by Krispy Kreme when the "Hot Now" sign is flashing. But when associating the tempting confections in years gone by, I associate the history of doughnuts with World War I. 

While researching life in the 19th century, I was reminded of accounts during the Civil War, where civilian ladies distributed the treats by the dozens to regiments on the way to war.

The Feast of Doughnuts

The ladies of Augusta, Maine, distributed over fifty bushels of doughnuts to the Third Volunteer regiment before their departure for the war in 1861. A procession of ladies, headed by music, passed between double lines of troops to present the welcome treats. (The Civil War in Song and Story by Frank Moore)

19^th-century homemakers preferred to make twisted doughnuts because it saved time during the cooking process. Little House on the Prairie fans may recall how much Laura Ingalls Wilder's future husband Almanzo loved them. Based on the account from Farmer Boy, how much Laura Ingalls Wilder's future husband Almanzo loved them. 

 

“Almanzo took the biggest doughnut from the pan and bit off its crisp end. Mother was rolling out the golden dough, slashing it into long strips, rolling and doubling and twisting the strips. Her fingers flew; you could hardly see them. The strips seemed to twist themselves under her hands, and to leap into the big copper kettle of swirling hot fat.”(Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Almanzo’s Mom’s Doughnut Recipe

Approximately 900g olive oil – for frying doughnuts

(Almanzo's mother would have used lard)

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup sour cream

2 1/4 cups flour

powdered sugar  

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over low heat until it reaches 375˚f / 190˚C. In the meantime, add sour cream, egg, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl and mix well. Add 1 cup of plain flour and mix. Slowly add the rest of the flour until you have a dough that can be rolled out.  Flour your board and roll out the dough in a long rectangle shape that is 4 inches (10 cm) by 16 inches (40 cm) and about 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick. Cut the dough into 1/2 inch (1.2cm) strips by 4 inches (10 cm) long. Grab the two ends of the long rectangle strip and twist, then pinch the two ends together to make a twisted circular shape. Place 2 – 3 doughnuts at a time in your pan and fry until golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, remove the doughnuts and place them on a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides immediately with sugar. 

Where Would We Be Without Friends? 

In my new release, A Bride For Alston, our heroine is a potter. While she is unfortunately not blessed with a supportive family, she does have a good friend who gives her temporary shelter and teaches Elly how to make doughnuts. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T5PR461

Alston Pike, Engineer, and Millwright believes hard work is the cure to mend a broken heart. Enticed by his grandmother's offer to fund his new project, he agrees to marry within three months.

Is Elly trading one lion's den for another? 

Will Alston's business-minded approach to marriage leave him wanting more? 

About Kimberly Grist:

Kim has enjoyed writing since she was a young girl. However, she began writing her first novel in 2017, "I wear so many hats working inside and outside the home. I work hard, try harder, and then begin again the next day. Despite my best efforts, sometimes life just stinks. Bad things happen. I need and want an outlet, an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome." 

Fans of historical romance set in the late 19th -century will enjoy stories combining, History, Humor, and Romance, emphasizing Faith, Friends, and Good Clean Fun. 

Connect with Kimberly:

Sign up for my newsletter

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kimberly-grist
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FaithFunandFriends/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GristKimberly
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Grist/e/B07H2NTJ71