Idaho is widely known for its high-quality potatoes, but the state is also home to a unique dessert that combines this staple with a beloved treat: donuts. Here is the mashed potato donut – who would have thought that mashed potatoes could be incorporated into donuts? Soft, moist, and carrying a unique taste, those delectable rings of extruded dough that Idaho fell in love with are far from the traditional donuts people know. Find out why mashed potato donuts make for an unusual yet delicious dessert here.
What Are Mashed Potato Donuts?
The mashed potato donuts are a small but interesting twist on the traditional dessert because the mashed potatoes are incorporated into the dough. Traditional donut recipes use butter or buttermilk to give the cakes their moist texture, and mashed potatoes give these edible goodies a unique moistness. This is no surprise, given that the team has created a snack that is more tender than some cakes but has a slightly cake-like texture. One may question mixing potatoes in a dessert, but it does make a lot of sense.
For these, one is dipped with powdered sugar only, while you can also accompany them with cinnamon, chocolate, or maple syrup. Whether you take them to a family dinner, the Christmas brunch, or to surprise the family – this snack will surely become a conversation topic. This food can make many people return for seconds and maybe even thirds. The mashed potatoes will be so intriguing that everyone will want to try them.
A Potato Twist on Traditional Donuts
Some people think that mashed potato donuts are a traditional donut without adding extra refined ingredients. Many recipes, including Aunt Kathy’s Old-Fashioned Potato Donuts, are still widely used today. This recipe has rightfully turned into one of Idaho’s legendary recipes, as the residents of this state can enjoy a warm, traditional taste. There are many other good recipes out there online.
What makes these so great is the dough from which they are made. The mashed potatoes are added to a mixture of the regular donut ingredients: flour, sugar, eggs, and a small amount of milk to form a thick but still smooth batter, which is slightly thicker than a cake batter but should easily be manageable. Following dough formation, it is rounded, spread into donut form, and fried until deep brown on the surface and quite pale inside.
Why Are They So Popular in Idaho?
Boasting one of the best conditions for soil production of the potato, Idaho is arguably the potato capital of the United States. The mashed potato donut is far from being the only way people cook with potatoes, and they certainly do not limit themselves to using them as a carb; potatoes are utilized in entrees and desserts alike. Due to the history of potatoes in the state, it’s not a shocker that this snack has become a specialty of the region.
While many people rave about them, several factors indicate their rising popularity. The leftover mashed potatoes, which are often noticed after a Sunday family dinner, are ideal for making this sweet course. Instead of discarding the leftover mashed potatoes, the Idahoans have looked for a way to make good use of it and come up with a tasty yet creamy dessert that is not expensive. Furthermore, mashed potato donuts are usually consumed at fairs and events and can be purchased in local stores and bakeries in Idaho because they are an Idaho favorite.
The Appeal of Mashed Potato Donuts
Why should you consider making mashed potato donuts? First, they give an entirely different perspective on something that was perhaps quite well-known. These snacks have a surface that is not unlike a sponge, which most people probably have not encountered with any donut that can be purchased on the commercial market today, and the taste is quite mild and slightly sweet – rather homely. For potato lovers or any adventurous hearts, mashed potato donuts are tasty and serve your desserts well.
Final Thoughts
The most creative are the mashed potato donuts – a product of Idaho’s cuisine. By trying to make the state’s most basic product – potatoes – into a sweet dessert, the people of Idaho have made something new and interesting. As a creative cooking challenge for your home cooking or as treats bought from a nearby bakery, these should be quite an unexpected joy for anyone to savor. So, the next time you are in Idaho, try this unique, tasty treat.
