June 1st, 2012 = 75th Annual National Donut Day! Easy Homemade Donuts

Need an excuse to indulge in the sweet, fried goodness of a donut? Here is your chance! Today is the 75th Annual National Donut Day. So go grab a dozen of your favorites and enjoy every single bite OR try these EASY homemade donuts!

National Donut Day is celebrated on June 1st every year and it began in 1938 as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army in Chicago. Back then, their goal was raise money for the needy during the Great Depression and to honor the women who served donuts to the soldiers during World War 1. It all began in 1917 when the Salvation Army sent about 250 women to France to assist our soldiers who were stationed there during the war. About 4 women were assigned to "huts" where they could "mother" the soldiers by providing baked goods, writing supplies, clothes, and comfort. Due to the difficulties of providing freshly baked goods to the soldiers, 2 women by the names of Margaret Sheldon and Helen Purviance developed the idea of providing donuts. The donuts were a huge hit and soon, all the soldiers began visiting the Salvation Army huts just to get their hands on the fresh donuts.

"Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, and 700 cups of coffee."
--Margaret Sheldon

To this day, the Salvation Army uses donuts as a means of fundraising throughout the country. Thanks Margaret & Helen for this delicious celebration of an American classic!

You can recieve a free donut from:
DUNKIN DONUTS with the purchase of a beverage
or
KRISPY KREME no purchase necessary
**Let us know if you know of any local donut shops/bakeries giving out FREE donuts for this occasion!

Who say's making donuts has to be hard? With a little help from Grands Biscuits, fresh donuts are easier thank you think!

Ingredients for 8 donuts:
1 8-count package large refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands)
1/2 cup to 1 cup of vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Pop open the package of biscuits (don't let it scare you! It gets me every time) and place the biscuits on a cutting board. Using a 1-inch round cookie cutter or a shot glass or a water bottle cap, cut a hole in the center of each biscuit reserving the extra dough for "holes."

2. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Test the heat by throwing in a "hole"...if it is hot enough, the edges will bubble and sizzle.

3. Place 4 donuts in the skillet and let brown on each side. About 1-1/2 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on the heat! You don't want your donuts to burn.

4. Drain the donuts by placing them on a wire rack or a paper towel lined plate.

5. In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. When the donuts are just cool enough to handle, toss them in the cinnamon sugar blend.
*If they have cooled too much, dip both sides in melted butter and then toss in the cinnamon sugar blend.

6. These little pieces of heaven taste best if eaten immediately. Enjoy!

picture courtesy of kirbiecravings.com

HAPPY NATIONAL DONUT DAY!