Nut doughnuts offer a delightful twist on the classic doughnut, infusing the familiar fried treat with the richness and crunch of chopped walnuts. These doughnuts, with their satisfying texture and a blend of flavors, represent the fusion of traditional doughnut-making with the innovation of incorporating nuts. Their history and appeal highlight the endless possibilities of culinary creativity.

Doughnuts, as a beloved treat, have been enjoyed across cultures and eras, evolving from their early forms to encompass a wide variety of flavors and styles. The introduction of nuts to doughnut recipes, like in the case of nut doughnuts, brings a new layer of taste and texture.

Nuts have been used in baking for centuries, with their rich flavor and nutritional value making them a prized ingredient. The integration of chopped English walnut meats into the doughnut dough not only adds a delightful crunch but also showcases the adaptability of traditional recipes to accommodate new and exciting flavors.

The technique of frying dough in oil or fat has been practiced for centuries, from ancient civilizations to modern kitchens. The concept of doughnuts as we know them today emerged in the 19th century and has since been enjoyed in various forms and sizes. Nut doughnuts exemplify the spirit of innovation in culinary traditions, combining elements of classic recipes with modern creativity.

INGREDIENTS

• 1-1/4 cupfuls sugar
• 4 tablespoonfuls Crisco (shortening)
• 1-1/2 cupfuls milk
• 2 eggs
• 4 teaspoonfuls baking powder
• 1 cupful chopped English walnut meats
• 1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoonful lemon extract
• 1/2 teaspoonful salt
• Flour to make soft dough

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by creaming the Crisco and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Creaming involves mixing the fat and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
2. Add the well-beaten eggs to the creamed mixture. Mixing the eggs well before adding them ensures even distribution.
3. Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and lemon extract. Mix until the liquids are well incorporated.
4. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures even mixing.
5. Incorporate the chopped English walnut meats into the dough. These nuts will provide texture and flavor.
6. Gradually add enough flour to make a soft dough. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and use a cutter to cut out doughnut shapes.
8. Heat Crisco in a frying pan or deep fryer. The temperature should be hot enough to fry the doughnuts but not so hot that they burn.
9. Carefully place the cut doughnuts into the hot Crisco and fry them until they turn a golden color. This usually takes a few minutes per side.
10. Once fried, remove the doughnuts from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
11. While the doughnuts are still warm, sift them with sugar to create a sweet and inviting exterior.
12. Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before serving. The nut-infused doughnuts are best enjoyed when they are freshly made.

• Nut doughnuts are a testament to the art of doughnut-making, marrying the familiar comfort of fried dough with the nutty richness of English walnuts. The combination of classic ingredients and innovative flavors showcases the adaptability of culinary traditions over time. As a delightful treat enjoyed by generations, nut doughnuts bring the warmth of nostalgia and the excitement of culinary creativity to every bite.