Hello my Foodie Friends!
School has ended and it’s time for many to be spending more time with the family. Summertime offers us the time to do a broader range of activities. Even though people are often busy all year long, they are usually a little bit less stressed during the summer compared to other times of the year. Children do not have to go to school during the summer, and adults who have to go to work do not need to work as many hours during the summer as they do during the rest of the year. This means that family members may be more willing to hang out with you and to talk about things that both you and your family are interested in. Many people take advantage of these facts to get to know their families more closely and by scheduling family vacations during summer holidays, or even getting to spend more time with relatives.
Summertime for me as a child often meant getting to spend more time with my cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. Family get-togethers were a time to share stories and photos from the past, to talk about those who were no longer here, and to give us young ones a sense of our family history. Although getting me to come inside from playing outdoors was quite a feat, I did love spending time with my mother and my aunts watching them cook and bake up a storm for the outdoor family gatherings. I always liked baking with them, when they were not trying to get me out of the kitchen!
One item that was my favorite to help them with and to eat was making baked donuts. My mother’s baked donuts were always a hit at the family picnics. The evidence of the popularity of her donuts could often be found in my pockets and the pockets of my brothers, and cousins, as we would swiftly grab them from the table to ensure we did not lose out on getting our fill.
So, why are baked donuts still so popular? They are extremely easy to make. No fancy ingredients are needed and it comes together as easily as a cupcake. Both the mixing process as well as the baking process is very simple even if you are a beginner in the kitchen. The trickiest part is glazing the donuts but if you follow a few simple rules and pay attention to the temperatures, you will be able make beautifully glazed donuts every time going forward. Another reason to bake donuts is that they are quick to make. Compared to yeast-based donuts, baked donuts can be made much quicker. Once you mix the ingredients you can proceed with baking, no need to wait for the yeast to get activated. Making donuts also allows your family and friends to create the type of donut and topping they want. They can add one topping or add them all! It can be their own creation. Oh course, the best part is eating them.
An essential tool to help you make your baked donuts is a donut pan. You can make half or full dozen donuts in the pan. Donut shaped pans are made to assist you in creating individual full-sized donuts. No rolling, cutting, or deep frying is needed. With a donut pan, you get perfectly shaped donuts with holes in the center. Just pour the batter into the wells, and pop them into the oven.
This summer, remember that life is a collection of memories. It is the cherished memories that stand out and give us a history to our lives. Good memories can happen anywhere. Over the years, I have discovered that one of the best places to make lasting family traditions is in the kitchen. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store, to get the donut pans and supplies you need to bake your favorite creations. Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”
Take Care,
John & Paula
