Did Donuts Originate in America?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins of donuts, particularly whether they originated in America. Participants explore various historical and cultural perspectives on donuts, including their evolution and regional variations. The conversation also touches on personal preferences and experiences with different types of donuts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the toroidal shape of donuts is an American innovation, while the origins of fried dough may be linked to various European immigrant groups.
  • One participant recalls a documentary suggesting that donuts may have origins in the Middle East, where they are consumed differently than the American version.
  • Several participants express strong preferences for specific donut styles, such as Dunkin' Donuts versus Krispy Kreme, with differing opinions on their quality and substance.
  • There is a discussion about the excessive sweetness of commercially available donuts, with some participants expressing a desire for simpler, less sugary options.
  • Personal anecdotes about homemade donuts and regional specialties are shared, highlighting the subjective nature of donut preferences.
  • A participant proposes a poll to determine the best type of donut, indicating a desire for community engagement on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the origins and qualities of donuts, with no clear consensus on their historical roots or the best type of donut. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the origins of donuts depend on cultural definitions and interpretations, which are not universally agreed upon. Additionally, personal preferences for donut styles vary widely, reflecting regional differences and individual tastes.

  • #31
In Denmark they have a doughnut called Aebleskiver. About the size and shape of a tennis ball. The ones I had were topped with berry jam and sugar. They use a really cool cast iron pan, that has perfect indentations, for cooking them.
And if you happen to be in Poland on Fat Tuesday, give the Paczki a try. I have found a few bakery's near me that make them. I believe each one has 10,000 million calories :!)
 
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  • #32
hypatia said:
In Denmark they have a doughnut called Aebleskiver. About the size and shape of a tennis ball. The ones I had were topped with berry jam and sugar. They use a really cool cast iron pan, that has perfect indentations, for cooking them.
And if you happen to be in Poland on Fat Tuesday, give the Paczki a try. I have found a few bakery's near me that make them. I believe each one has 10,000 million calories :!)

10,000 million calories and a pre booked visit to the dentist with every
purchase :smile:

Whatever happened to the good old brit bread pudding, now that was food.
 
  • #33
hypatia said:
In Denmark they have a doughnut called Aebleskiver. About the size and shape of a tennis ball. The ones I had were topped with berry jam and sugar. They use a really cool cast iron pan, that has perfect indentations, for cooking them.
And if you happen to be in Poland on Fat Tuesday, give the Paczki a try. I have found a few bakery's near me that make them. I believe each one has 10,000 million calories :!)

I have had aebleskiver a few times. In fact, I've helped made some. I still could not figure out how to turn those things in those dimpled pans with using just one stick!

Zz.
 
  • #34
From Good Eats: Circle of Life
http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/Season8/doughnut/circle_of_life.htm

SCENE 4
Netherlands

doughnut05.jpg

If it hadn’t been for Henry the Eighth’s convenient creation of the Church of England, there never would have been English Separatists. Nor would said Separatists have needed to depart England for the more religiously tolerant climate of the Netherlands. And if they hadn’t moved to the Netherlands, these Separatists never would have developed a taste for olykoeks—small pieces of dough, about the size of a walnut, fried in hog fat and very, very popular with the Dutch. But they did. And when they finally decided to move on to settle a new-world rock called Plymouth, these Pilgrims took olykoeks with them. [looks at the comely Holland girl sitting behind him] Can’t imagine why they wanted to leave, though.
doughnut06.jpg


Some say that it only took a couple hundred years for these 'nuts of dough' to be called doughnuts.
 
  • #35
ZapperZ said:
I have had aebleskiver a few times. In fact, I've helped made some. I still could not figure out how to turn those things in those dimpled pans with using just one stick!

Zz.

Its a talent, I offered to lend a hand too. I'm sure they are still laughing at the memory:redface:
 
  • #36
Huckleberry said:
Hey radou, I don't know what you call those things but they look bad for you. I would love them. I'd love them even more with some HErsheys chocolate on top.

Actually, they're not so bad.. if you know when to stop, of course. :smile:

Oh yes, and the chocolate-coated ones are delicious.
 

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