Doughnuts

Vegas & Doughnuts

September 1, 2011

Adam and I spent the past weekend in Vegas for a pre-back to school vacation! It was hot. Really hot. Like 105 degrees hot!! But we weren’t complaining. We divided our time between shopping (me) and gambling (Adam). He likes to play Craps, and I like to watch. After four days of watching him play I think I finally understand most of what happens on the table, ‘pressing’ bets, the pass line, the ‘on’ numbers, and the number you don’t speak of. It was lots of fun, we love Vegas. I already want to go back!

Last day in Vegas face

We did end up going to Mon Ami Gabi a few times, the food was good, but really rich! And our one actual dinner (aside from pizza-for adam- and sandwiches-for me basically every.single.day lol) at Bouchon’s in the Venetian, turned out to be a real disappointment! The dishes were so salty we both took a few bites, felt sick, and stopped eating. We got half our meal comped because it was so terrible. Oh well, next time!

But, we had to return to Vancouver. Where it is now raining, and a far cry from 100 degrees. Our flight was actually delayed two hours, and we had flown out of Bellingham (for a cheap flight), so once we landed we had to drive back across the border still. We arrived home at 2 am, and poor Adam had to be up in a few hours for work! It always seems you need a vacation after your vacation 😉

On a few occasions I’ve been looking for a doughnut pan, but I haven’t had much luck in finding one, in Canada at least. We went to Fashion Show Mall to do some shopping, and of course I was more interested in the houseware stores than the clothing stores. Though I did manage to get a few deals at Dillards, where they had 50% or 30% off, with an additional 30% off of that! And I finally bought some TOMS after wanting them forever! I figure I need some ‘back to school’ clothes 😉 Even in fourth year university you should still be able to shop for back-to-school 🙂 🙂 Although, the new computer battery I’ve needed for a year has still yet to be purchased…

Back to doughnuts. So I finally found one, at Sur La Table one of my favourite stores! We packed it in our suitcase for the ride home 🙂 I’ve been wanting to try out baked doughnuts, a healthy-ish version of the fried ones. They would be really cute at a birthday, holiday etc. because like cupcakes you can decorate them to match any scene and try a variety of flavours.

One of my all-time favs is Mint Chocolate Chip 🙂 I managed to find some yummy ice cream (even though I shouldn’t eat it! due to dairy allergy) in the Paris (where we stayed) in Vegas. It was 100+ degrees, I needed something to cool off!

These doughnuts are denser of course, but just as delicious! I topped them with mint flavoured icing and sprinkled it with mini-chocolate chips. Yum!

The pan is from Wilton, it was 10$. Good purchase I think! I see lots of events with doughnuts in the future 🙂

Mint Chocolate Chip Doughnuts
Basic Baked Doughnut Recipe
from Wilton 
makes 12 regular-sized donuts
  • 2 cups flour, sifted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar ( I used raw organic )
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (I used almond milk)
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2-1 cup icing sugar
  • peppermint extract
  • 1-2 tbs. milk or cold water
  • mini chocolate chips
Preparation:1.  Preheat oven to 425°F.  Spray the 6-cavity donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2.  Sift together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.  Whisk in buttermilk, eggs, and butter and beat until just combined.  Fill each donut cup until about 2/3 full. I used a piping bag to evenly fill/distribute the batter.

3.  Bake 7-9 minutes, or until the top of the donuts spring back when touched.  Cool in pan for about 4-5 minutes before removing from pan.

Best served fresh on the same day.

To Make the Mint Icing:
 
In a bowl large enough to ‘dunk’ the doughnuts, mix together about 1 cup of icing sugar, and tablespoon or two (depending on consistency) of milk or cold water, whisking until smooth. I added a few drops of Peppermint extract and green food colouring. Dip the doughnuts by hand into the icing, and allow excess to fall off.
 
Place on wire rack, I suggest placing parchment paper, wax or saran/aluminum underneath to catch the drippings. You will want to sprinkle on the mini-chocolate chips before it sets up completely so they will stick to the icing!
 
Enjoy! 
 

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4 Comments

  • Reply Josie Penner September 1, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    They look awesome & very Yummy Alicia!

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