National Doughnut Day
An 1808 short story describing a spread of “fire-cakes and dough-nuts” is the earliest known recorded usage of the term 'doughnut'.
5 November is one of two National Days that are celebrated annually by doughnut lovers throughout the world. The other one is in June.
The history of the doughnut is disputed. One theory suggests that Dutch settlers in North America invented them. These settlers were also responsible for popularising other desserts such as cookies and apple pie.
Hanson Gregory, an American, claimed that he invented the ring-shaped doughnut in 1847, while he was aboard a lime trading-ship when he was 16 years old. According to his claim, he punched a hole in the centre of the ball of dough, using the ship’s tin pepper box and later taught the technique to his mother.
According to R Mullins, an anthropologist, the first cookbook to mention doughnuts was an 1803 English volume. The word was mentioned in an appendix of American recipes.
An 1808 short story describing a spread of “fire-cakes and dough-nuts” is the earliest known recorded usage of the term ‘doughnut’.
A better known and often cited first written record of the word ‘doughnut’ occurred in 1809 when Washington Irving made reference to it in his History of New York. He described doughnuts as balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog’s fat.
The first use of the alternative spelling of the word – donut – is accredited to the New York-based company called Display Doughnut Machine Corporation. It is said they abbreviated the word to ensure foreigners could pronounce it more easily, thus encouraging them to buy the company’s automated doughnut making equipment.
Doughnuts can be topped with a variety of flavours. The most common ones are glazed, sugared, powdered, frosted, cinnamon, jelly and chocolate.
To celebrate today, visit your favourite doughnut store and buy some delicious doughnuts for yourself or to share with friends and family. If you are feeling adventurous, look online for recipes and make your own.
Use #NationalDoughnutDay to post on social media.
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