Timbits

A doughnut, also known as a donut, is a cherished fried treat enjoyed worldwide. These delectable confections are made by deep-frying dough typically composed of flour, forming the classic ring shape or filled varieties. Additionally, there are the delightful "doughnut holes" small, ball-shaped morsels of doughnut bliss.

Doughnuts come in two primary types: ring doughnuts and filled doughnuts. Ring doughnuts are usually made from yeast-based dough, giving them a light and airy texture. Filled doughnuts, on the other hand, are stuffed with sweet fillings such as jelly, custard, or cream. Doughnut holes, originally crafted from the dough left over from cutting out the center of ring doughnuts, have become a popular treat in their own right. Doughnuts can also be found in various shapes like rings, balls, and twists, with special varieties such as old-fashioned doughnuts and crullers adding to the diversity.

The history of the doughnut traces back to Dutch settlers in early New York. The modern ring-shaped doughnut is credited to an American named Hanson Gregory, who created it in 1847. The term "doughnut" first appeared in 1808 and was later shortened to "donut" in the 20th century. In the United States, National Doughnut Day is celebrated to honor The Salvation Army's efforts to serve doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

Making doughnuts involves a blend of ingredients such as flour, eggs, sugar, shortening, and milk. These components determine the doughnut's texture and flavor, with cake doughnuts and yeast doughnuts offering different experiences. The science of doughnuts also encompasses the dough's physical properties, health considerations, and regional recipe variations across cultures.

Doughnuts have become entrenched in popular culture, frequently appearing in movies, TV shows, and video games. In the U.S., doughnuts are a beloved snack, and Canada boasts the highest number of doughnut shops per capita. Tim Hortons is a renowned doughnut chain in Canada, while Dunkin' Donuts is a well-known franchise in the U.S. The stereotype of police officers enjoying doughnuts during breaks has been humorously depicted in various media, solidifying the doughnut's iconic status in society.