Donut Day - June 3, 2022
The roots of Donut Day go all the way back to World War I, when The Salvation Army's "Donut Lassies" served these sweet treats to soldiers. Created by The Salvation Army in 1938, the first Donut Day was a fundraiser during the Great Depression. Today, it's a time to enjoy a donut (or several) while providing comfort to those in need.
video courtesy of Chicago's Very Own WGN9
Salvation Army WWI Donut Recipe
- Yield: 4 doz. donuts
- 2 large eggs
- 5 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 tablespoon salt
- 1 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tub lard
Directions
- Combine all ingredients (except for lard) to make dough.
- Thoroughly knead dough, roll smooth, and cut into rings that are less than 1/4 inch thick. (When finding items to cut out donut circles, be creative! Salvation Army Donut Lassies used whatever they could find, from baking powder cans to coffee percolator tubes.)
- Drop the rings into the lard, making sure the fat is hot enough to brown the donuts gradually. Turn the donuts slowly several times.
- When browned, remove donuts and allow excess fat to drip off.
- Dust with powdered sugar. Let cool and enjoy.