Doughnut or Donut?

Ladies and gentlemen it is time to get your doughnut on! Not for any particular reason… other than it’s National Doughnut Day! And let me clarify, I’m not talking about driving a car in tight circles in a parking lot while you become masked in a smoke screen of burnt rubber from flaming tires. (Although that sounds like a pretty rad thing to do… I’m getting off topic, haha.) I have often wondered, is it “donut” or “doughnut,” so today of all days seems appropriate for me to finally seek out the answer. Well, drumroll please… according to numerous dictionaries Doughnut is the proper, formal spelling of this irresistible treat. However (don’t you love a plot twist?!) the shorter spelling of “donut” is perfectly acceptable too. It came about in the late 1800’s as a shorthand nickname. Either way you spell this pastry icon, doughnuts or donuts always work out to a be a yummy, doughy choice to satisfy one’s sweet tooth. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Another fun fact I discovered is that National Doughnut Day was started back in the late 1930’s by The Salvation Army as a way to raise funds and help those in need during the Great Depression. The effort continued into WWI and volunteers would serve donuts to hungry soldiers on the battle front overseas. The female volunteers who traveled to the front lines of France to serve these baked goodies became affectionately dubbed by the servicemen as “Doughnut Dollies.” While I’m not sure being called a “Dollie” nowadays would pass, I’m still impressed that the humble donut served many in need and helped in lifting the spirits of hungry men in service!

In honor of this momentous day in pastry history, I’ve gathered up some glazed and decorated treats for a photo montage of sorts. Feast your eyes and why not surprise a friend with a donut to share? 🙂

– Emily

Photography by Kyle Dreier | Styling contributors Callie Blount, Teresa Blackburn, Courtney Whitmore, Caroline Brewer and Dreier & Company