Potato doughnut facts for kids
A sampler of potato doughnuts from Spudnuts Coffee Shop in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
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| Alternative names | Spudnut |
|---|---|
| Type | Doughnut |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Potato |
Potato doughnuts are a special kind of doughnut. They are often called Spudnuts. What makes them unique is that they are made with mashed potatoes or potato starch. This is different from most doughnuts, which use flour.
These tasty treats are usually sweet. They tend to be lighter and fluffier than regular flour doughnuts. You can enjoy them just like any other doughnut, often with a cup of coffee. A famous chain called Spudnut Shops once sold these doughnuts all over the United States.
The History of Potato Doughnuts
The exact start of potato doughnuts is a bit of a mystery. Recipes for them began appearing in American newspapers way back in the 1870s. Cookbooks in Canada also shared recipes in the early 1900s.
In the late 1930s, a man named Vernon Rudolph started selling his famous Krispy Kreme doughnuts. His original recipe actually included potatoes! Around the same time, the Spudnut Shops chain began. It grew very popular, with over 500 locations across the United States. Over time, the number of shops became smaller, but some independent Spudnut shops still exist today.
What Makes Potato Doughnuts Special?
Potato doughnuts are similar to regular doughnuts in many ways. The main difference is their key ingredient. Instead of using mostly flour, they use mashed potatoes or potato starch. Sometimes, they might have a small amount of flour too.
These doughnuts are known for being very light and fluffy. They can have all the same yummy toppings and frostings as other doughnuts. Some potato doughnuts are even deep-fried in lard to make a special kind of pastry called a Fasnacht.
How Potato Doughnuts Are Made
Making potato doughnuts is a fun process. First, you mix mashed potatoes (or an instant potato mix) with eggs and other ingredients. These might include baking powder or a little bit of flour.
Once the dough is mixed, it's shaped into doughnut forms. Then, it's usually chilled in the refrigerator. After chilling, the doughnuts are ready to be cooked, often by deep-frying until they are golden brown and delicious!
