National Donut Day!!

If you ever needed an excuse to eat a good donut...today's your day! It's National Donut Day--I never knew that existed until this year. I think I'm aware only now because after our two trips to NYC Matt and I are a bit obsessed with finding a great donut. So far I will only indulge in the ones from Donut Plant on Grand Ave. in NYC. They are unlike anything you've ever put into your mouth: light, fluffy, flavorful (exotic flavors such as mango, tres leche, carrot cake!). We don't have a Donut Plant here in SD (probably a good thing or that would be my instant avenue to fat city). 

 In your opinion, where is the best donut in San Diego?

Watch the video below from the Food Network on the Donut Plant, NYC.

National Doughnut Day History--info from Mahalo.com

National Donut Day originated in 1938, when the day was established by the Salvation Army as a way to raise operating funds, as well as to honor the work of World War I volunteers. The day was originally observed by the Chicago branch of the Salvation Army, but soon spread throughout the organization, and further.¹⁴

In August of 1917, with U.S. troops plagued by 36 consecutive days of rain near the front lines, female Salvation Army volunteers wished do something to help the hungry, weary soldiers and raise morale. The female volunteers or “lassies” made the donuts with ingredients on hand, and fried them seven at a time in a soldier’s steel helmet over a stove. The tent providing these donuts became the first 24-hour donut outlet.¹⁵

Only 100 donuts were made the first day, but they were so popular and well-received that the activity spread out among the volunteers over a much wider area. Soon 9,000 donuts were being made for the troops each day. In many locations the holes for the donuts were made using shells. Reportedly, some pilots even dropped notes requesting that donuts be provided for their troops.¹⁶




Click here for a complete history of the DOUGHNUT aka DONUT