It is stated that the June holiday originated as a way to remember the women who fought in World War I. In an effort to bolster military morale, the Chicago branch of the Salvation Army began a fundraiser in 1938 amid the Great Depression, honoring the “Salvation Army lassies” who would bring donuts (or doughnuts) to soldiers serving on the front lines of battle.
But the history of the November holiday is less well-known. It is said to have surfaced in November in observance of November 10th, the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) birthday.
How-to for homemade donuts
If you have the necessary tools, there are many ways to create donuts at home. To mention a few techniques, one can try baking, air-frying, or deep-frying. Whichever method you choose, these are all the tools you’ll need to create the most delicious donuts from scratch.
1. A stand mixer
It should be evident that this pastry would be meaningless without its distinctive dough, given that the word “donut” is frequently spelled “doughnut” in other contexts. Although many people prefer to mix the dough by hand, we suggest using a stand mixer if you want to expedite the process. Out of all the classic mixers we evaluated, we think the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer is the finest. We adore it. It is robust, silent, and compatible with numerous attachments, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder, that meet a range of culinary requirements. It even comes with a dough hook, which is convenient.
2. Cookie cutters
The traditional “ring” donut is among the most widely used designs. You can cook the remaining dough for more delights if you’re a donut hole enthusiast. You can form the holes with a circle cookie cutter if you don’t have a special donut hole cutter. Our investigation revealed that the cookie cutters offered by YXCLIFE are the greatest ones available online. Because the set includes basic geometric forms, reviewers adore how easy they are to clean and how versatile they are throughout the entire year.
3. A Dutch oven
Fried batter is commonly used to make donuts, and there are various methods for doing so. Cooking them on the stovetop is one method. Although you can fried a donut in almost anything that can contain oil, the tall sides of a Dutch oven make it one of the safer possibilities. Taking a donut out of the oil with a tong is a simple way to remove it without getting burned. The Made In Dutch Oven is the greatest Dutch oven we’ve tested. It routinely produces excellent cooking results, has comfortable handles, and is most significantly, reasonably priced.
4. A thermometer
Bakers advise using a candy thermometer to control the oil temperature when frying donuts on the stove. This will prevent the overcooking of your dessert. A highly regarded programmed thermometer with a clip to keep it attached to the pot you’re cooking your donuts in is available from Taylor Precision Products. Reviews adore it for being so user-friendly.
5. A deep fryer
Using a deep fryer to fry your donuts is perhaps the most common method. In comparison to stovetop deep frying, it is safer and easier to control oil temperature without the need for an external thermometer. We’ve tested a lot of deep fryers, and the best one is Breville’s smart fryer. It fries really well and shows temperatures accurately as well.
6. An air fryer
Searching for a more healthful option than deep-frying? The force of convection makes an air fryer useful for that. You can still produce wonderful, crispy donuts using an air fryer without using the oils used in conventional frying techniques. Due to its large frying capacity and user-friendly design, we have determined that the Ninja Speedi is the best air fryer. Your donuts will fry fast and to the ultimate crispy perfection.
7. A donut pan
As its name suggests, cake donuts are a particular kind of donut that has a texture more like cake. They become heavier and less fluffy as a result, in comparison to regular donuts. This kind of donut is simple to create; just use a pan and bake them in the oven. The Non-Stick 6-Cavity Donut Baking Pans from Wilton will work well for you. Because the pans are dishwasher safe and have huge donut cavities, cleaning up afterward is simple.
8. A mini donut maker
A tiny donut is the only thing that can top a regular donut. Thankfully, you can prepare them in as little as five minutes in the comfort of your own kitchen. We put a number of Dash’s tiny appliances to the test, such as the Mini Donut Maker, which yields seven cute little donuts. The results of trying both recipes were “simple and delicious.”
9. Measuring tools
You must ensure that your ingredient measurements are exact if you want to make the ideal donut. You should use measuring spoons for little measurements (up to a tablespoon), and the Cuisipro Stainless Steel Measuring Spoon Set is the best set we’ve tested. Unlike many plastic spoons, this set is strong, stylish, and features etched-on measures so they won’t corrode with time.
10. A whisk
To make toppings like chocolate sauce or glaze, you’ll need a whisk to quickly combine the components. We have determined that the GIR 11-inch Ultimate Whisk is the best whisk money can buy, so we suggest getting one. This whisk has a chic design in a variety of colors and is pleasant and easy to use.
11. A set of pipes
Using a pastry piper will make your job much easier when it comes to packing your donut with filling, whether you’re opting for cream or jam. Using a piping kit, like the one Plateau Elk sells, you may fill a bag with your filling and press it into the donut’s tiny hole. You won’t have to worry about messes while using this strategy. The Plateau Elk piping system is highly praised by reviews for its durability and ease of use.