Imagine you’re relaxing at home, you’ve finished dinner, you sit down to watch a movie or the news, and suddenly you hear someone announcing that they’re selling warm donuts—seven donuts for a dollar. You might think you’re dreaming because, nowadays, I don’t think you can find even a single donut anywhere for $1.00. But this isn’t a dream—I actually lived it.
My dad was a pastry chef in Puerto Rico for many years and in Florida. He would wake up at dawn to go to the bakery and prepare delicious bread and pastries. Sweets like pastelillos, quesitos, bread pudding, donuts, cookies, brazo gitanos, cakes, coconut pastries, galletas cucas, and many more were created by my dad at the bakery where he worked. At home, alongside my mom, he would also make desserts to take to church or share with friends and family.
A very hardworking man, my dad always earned an honest living. I clearly remember that sometimes he would make donuts at home, frying them and decorating them with sugar, filling our home with their delicious aroma. Once the donuts had cooled, he would place seven in a plastic bag and tie it shut. He carefully arranged these bags in a box and invited us to walk around the neighborhood selling them. He would carry the box on his shoulder and announce in a loud voice, “Hot donuts, seven for a dollar ($1.00)!” Neighbors would come out with a smile and a dollar in hand, eager to buy their donuts.
I have learned—and continue to learn—so much from my dad and mom. Here are some of the lessons I’ve gained:
- Discipline matters – Success comes from showing up every day, even when it’s tough.
- No shortcuts – Use your skills and talents but always work hard.
- Appreciate the little things – Hard work makes you value everything more.
- Resilience is key – Tough times don’t last, but strong people do.
- Sacrifice brings reward – Hardworking parents show that dedication leads to a better future.
- Integrity always wins – Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
- Effort over excuses – If you want something, work for it. No excuses.
- Pride in work – No matter the job, always give it your best.
- Money is earned, not given – Nothing in life is free; hard work pays off.
- Lead by example – They don’t just teach the value of work; they live it.
I learned how to cook and make desserts just like my parents did. When my children were young, I taught them, and now I share these lessons and skills with my grandchildren.
Here, I am sharing a baked donut recipe I did with my grandkids instead of the traditional fried ones.
Baked Donuts
Ingredients for the donuts:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
Ingredients for the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate glaze) or vanilla extract (for vanilla glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: egg, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and water.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Spray a donut mold with nonstick spray and pour the batter into the mold. You can use a piping bag to make the process easier.
- Bake the donuts in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
Instructions for the glaze:
- Mix the powdered sugar with the milk and cocoa powder or vanilla.
- Add more milk if needed (1 tablespoon at a time) or more powdered sugar to adjust the flavor and consistency.
- Mix well until you get a smooth glaze.
- Dip the donuts halfway into the glaze and let them dry.
Tip: For an extra touch, decorate with sprinkles, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts before the glaze sets. Enjoy! 🍩
