Doughnuts have become something of an extravagant treat over the years thanks to companies such as Krispy Kreme reinvigorating the sweet treat and offering a variety of flavours. Of course the tasty snacks have been popular for years and we’re pretty sure Homer Simpson’s obsession with them is partly responsible. Whilst doughnuts used to come in a limited number of flavours – iced ring, jam, custard – there are now hundreds of varieties to choose from. In her new book Rosie Reynolds shares 60 recipes that show just how versatile a doughnut can be.
The handbag-sized hardback book is a real gem with Reynolds really exploring what you can do with a doughnut. At the beginning of the book Reynolds provides a guide to doughnut basics including useful equipment, basic ingredients and the techniques you’ll need to make a perfect batch. She also points out that although traditionally the doughnut is a fried treat, you can bake them which is probably marginally healthier.
After kicking off with the recipe for a classic doughnut, Reynolds really offers up a fantastic and surprising variety of recipes both sweet and savoury. The book is split into six main chapters – Baked, Doughnut Cakes, Fried, Celebrate, Fancy and Virtuous – each detailing plenty of delicious doughnut recipes. There are recipe ideas for all kinds of occasions. If you want something to go with your coffee at the end of a meal try the After-Dinner Mints doughnut, or if you want something a little festive try Spiced Christmas Rings or Candy Canes.
The selection of savoury recipes in the book is impressive. The Chinese Pork doughnuts are absolutely delicious and despite our initial scepticism so is the English Ploughman’s. There’s even a Frankfurter doughnut which makes a good snack for when you’re on-the-go. The most intriguing, and delicious, is the Corn & Chilli doughnut which we’ll definitely be serving up at dinner parties in the future. Reynolds makes you look at food, and what you can do with it, differently and the end results are always absolutely delicious.
What we really love about this book is that there are recipes that we just simply would never have thought of in a million years. Margarita Rings is one such recipe which takes all of the flavours of a margarita and packs them into a yummy doughnut. Our favourite recipe is the Maple Bacon doughnut which combines sweet and savoury for a truly delicious treat. You wouldn’t think that bacon would work with such sweet flavours but it really, really does.
Doughnuts is a wonderful little book and one that we’ll definitely be digging into time and time again. The recipes are really clear and the end results speak for themselves. After working your way through all of the different recipes you’ll come to realise that doughnuts are a much more versatile treat than you first thought. The book will also give you the confidence to make your own recipes and we hope that Reynolds has another book up her sleeve over the coming months.
