Donuts Are the New Beauty Standard

      Just like with clothes, there are trends for food. First it was cupcakes. Sprinkles started it all and then more and more cupcake shops started popping up. Then restaurants added cupcakes to dessert menus. Then The Food Network got on board and now we have shows that are literally all about cupcakes. But again, just like with clothes, trends go out of style. The new fad became bacon. Bacon EVERYTHING. Now we had bacon cupcakes. What a concept. Then bacon started being put into cocktails, and muffins, and pancakes...and again, people got tired. 

Mini cupcakes from a previous JBF Taste America event.

      The new trend is something that I hope sticks around for a while given that our love for them has been a constant aspect of American culture. They have always been there. If you're from the East Coast, they are on every street corner. I'm talking about donuts. There is a donut for everyone and I'm just referring to the classics! You're lying to yourself if the thought of a freshly baked Krispy Kreme donut doesn't make your mouth water. I will always be game for a 2am trip to Bosa to get my fix. And believe me, there is a reason "America runs on Dunkin'" and its because America freaking loves donuts. My personal love for donuts started because of a little shop at Pier 39 in San Francisco called Trish's Mini Donuts. Matt's love for donuts grew immensely after eating a donut with a unique twist on a classic. 

Whenever I end up in San Francisco I make it a mission to come here. 

Matt enjoying "The Grillswith- A grilled, cinnamon dusted Krispy Kreme donut with Double Rye! whiskey laced ice cream," from High West Distillery in Park City, UT.

      But lately, things have been different. Not in a bad way. In an amazing way. People began making donuts better. I'm a big fan of the saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but in this case I'm fine with bending the rules. Have you ever heard of a cronut? If not, educate yourself here. After this happened, people began wondering what else could be done with donuts. To me, the best representation of this experimentation is Fractured Prune Donuts. I came across a photo of their donuts on Instagram and told myself that the next time I was by their shop, I would go in and try the donuts. I was not disappointed. You order your donuts by filling out a check list. They have pre-determined combinations that you can choose from or you can make your own by choosing a glaze and up to two toppings for each donut. The combinations are endless. They place your order and then begin making your donuts right before your eyes. Like, you actually watch your donuts go through the fryer and be dipped in glory, and they come out warm and delicious like all baked goods should.

 From left to right: Black Forest, Banana with Vanilla Wafers, Orange Dream, Maple Bacon (remnants of the bacon trend), Lemonade, and Strawberry Shortcake donuts.

      Fractured Prune is not the only one who has thought up interesting donut flavors. A bakery out of New Orleans called District Donuts has also perfected this experimentation. Unfortunately I was not able to make it to District the last time I was in New Orleans but all that means is I have more of a reason to go back. In conclusion, I hope this trend of making donuts better continues because the standard has clearly been set.