The journey from doughnut to donut and celebration of National Doughnut Day
Archaeologists claim to have traced doughnuts back to prehistoric Native American settlements, but they more officially made their way to America with the Dutch as olykoeks (oily cakes...yum) during World War I.
Soon after, in 1920, a Russian Czarist baker by the name Adolph Levitt came to the rescue of increased demand by inventing a machine that would crank out those tasty rings even faster, and the production became a public spectacle.
Fast forward to generations such as mine, growing up with the excitement of a Saturday morning trip to Dunkin' Donuts, where my sister and I would carefully craft our box of a half dozen donuts and bag of Munchkins (aka donut holes aka our favorite). And, yes, Dunkin' were the doughnut purveyors responsible for the spelling shuffle, from doughnut to donut, in the 1950s. Merriam Webster says so.
Fast forward, then, to June 5th, 2020, as we celebrate the 82nd annual National Doughnut Day! A holiday that actually began as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army to help those in need during the Great Depression and to honor the "Lassies" who served them to soldiers during the war.
The observance lives on and strong with many local and nationwide chains offering discounted doughtnuts to the patrons o' plenty that will line up to take their pick of the doughy delight that's been celebrated through the decades.
Whether your preference is jelly-filled, sprinkle-topped or a simple chocolate cake style, it's undeniable that doughnuts have a special place in the hearts of many Americans. And today is an extra excuse to celebrate the nostalgia, the sugar rush, and the passion that's gone into the craft.
"Money can't buy happiness but it can buy donuts, which is pretty much the same thing."
Donut mind if I do.
Learn more about Sam Jump here.
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