January 2013
One of my first jobs was working as a game attendant for Harvest Days at Merrymead Farm. I was later promoted to face painter, which was a major accomplishment in my fifth-grade world (I was a working artist)! When my mind wanders back to those days, I am filled with the sounds of crying kids (as it turns out, it’s often the parents who want the kids to have their faces painted more than the kids), the sounds of tractors pulling hayrides, the sneezy breathing of the corn maze and hay “bounce,” the taste of pulled pork sandwiches, the warmth of hot cider and the accompanying cider donuts. Ever since I scored my donut maker at Goodwill, I have been wanting to make a cider donut. New Year’s Day was finally the time!
Does this version of a cider donut immediately transport me to the days of my face painting “career?” Yes, but I did rewrite my history a bit. These little donuts have a more complex flavor in their sugar coating due to a kick of nutmeg and the more intense molasses flavor of brown sugar.
Cider Donuts
makes approximately 24 baby donuts
Dry Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
1 egg (local/free-range)
2/3 cup organic light brown sugar
1/2 cup local apple butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup wildflower honey
1/3 cup local apple cider
1/3 cup organic sour cream
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus a little extra for greasing your donut pan)
For the Donuts
In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients.
In another large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture and whisk until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Preheat and grease (I used melted butter) your donut maker and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Sugar Coating
Ingredients
Organic, unsalted butter, melted
Organic brown sugar
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
For the Sugar Coating
Note: This is a game of approximating because you’ll probably have to refill your sugar dipping bowl a few times.
Combine brown sugar and spices in a bowl (to taste). Roll each donut in melted butter and then the sugar mixture.
Enjoy the donuts and your own memories, wherever they may take you!
