They come in sugar or glazed or chocolate sprinkle, freshly made with a side of apple cider, or even with a scoop of ice cream in between. Technically, it’s spelled doughnut, and it’s one of the most popular pastries out there right now.
Here in Upstate New York when you talk about doughnuts immediately someone brings up Cider Belly Doughnuts. The Albany based business strives to provide freshly made, soft, and delicious doughnuts. Cider Belly meets, and exceeds, this goal. Covering the basics, Cider Belly of course offers traditional glazed and cider doughnuts, but what make them special are the flavors they whip up. On my most recent visit, the chocolate caramel coconut samoa belly, was even better than the girl scout cookie from which it got it’s inspiration. Still not sold? Past favorites include mint chocolate Oreo and maple bacon glazed.
I used to go to school in Rochester, so on a recent visit to Western New York I tried to visit all my favorite ROC destinations, one of which being the Rochester Public Market. While I was there I discovered Boxcar. A restaurant dedicated to doughnuts and fried chicken, all it took was one look inside for me to instantly feel saddened that Boxcar didn’t exist while I was in school. I tried the cannoli doughnut, but I know I need to go back to try that fried chicken.
Perhaps I am just partial to my Upstate bakers, but I was surprisingly underwhelmed by Blackbird Doughnuts in Boston. That being said, they still offered a pretty delicious selection. I panicked at the counter and ordered a chocolate sprinkle, even though deep down I really wanted to try the everything bagel doughnut. Next time, I suppose.
While we’re on the subject of New England, I need to mention The Holy Donut. Located in Portland, Maine, The Holy Donut’s secret to soft, satisfying, melt in your mouth doughnuts is to include a secret ingredient. Except that secret ingredient is not so secret, in fact it’s proudly boasted all over their store. That secret ingredient? Mashed potatoes. Yup that’s right, they even have some that include sweet potato too. Be sure to try the dark chocolate sea salt next time you find yourself in Vacationland.
Do you go nuts for doughnuts? What’s your favorite? Let me know and as always, follow along on Instagram.
