What books are you reading this summer? I have a sky scraper of reading material resting on my bedroom nightstand. All partially read and waiting to reveal their endings. Biographies, books on spirituality, fictional suspense, research findings on courage, and the magical essence of creativity. Lately, I’ve taken to reading on weekends while drinking my morning coffee. This past weekend was rainy and all sorts of cozy, so naturally donuts were in order. Lemon Poppy Seed Old Fashioned Donuts. 

While munching on a crispy and tender donut, I read more of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. She writes on what is means to live creativity beyond fear. A fascinating topic since over the years I’ve discovered fear to be the constant companion to my own creativity. For every new exciting creative venture, there’s the fear of failure and disappointment. This book has me reflecting on what my motives are for creating. To honor the need within us to create. Whether it be with our hands, written or spoken words, ideas, music, dance and so on. It’s always there waiting to be discovered. Gilbert writes about approaching fear with acceptance and love. Not the typical ‘conquer and destroy’ that society teaches us. Her writing is sincere, funny, and insightful. I’ve had countless ‘ah-ha’ moments and the authenticity of her experiences are warmly inspirational. Her thoughts on where creative inspiration comes from are beautifully magical (hence the title). This book is akin to having a conversation with a wise friend. If only I could share a donut with Elizabeth Gilbert.  

   
These Lemon Poppy Seed Old Fashioned Donuts had their own magical outcome when I discovered that they tasted even better on the second day. Old fashioned donuts get their signature cracked petal shape by being fried twice on both sides. Their ridges are filled with a tangy and fragile glaze that seeps into the donut and seals in the moisture. The dough is very simple to make. It can be made a day in advance and left in the refrigerator overnight. Fry the donuts off in the morning and eat them fresh or fry them the evening before and eat them first thing the next morning. It’s a win-win. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Old Fashioned Donuts

Makes 8 donuts

Dough

255g  cake flour
1 1/2 tsp  baking powder
1 tsp  kosher salt
1/2 tsp  ground nutmeg
100g  sugar
Zest of 1 lemon 
2 Tbsp  unsalted butter, room temperature
2  large egg yolks
150g  sour cream
Canola oil, for frying

In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. 

In a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, add sugar and lemon zest. Rub together briefly with your fingertips to release the zest oils into the sugar. Add soft butter and mix for 1 minute, on low speed, until sandy. Add egg yolks and mix for 1 minute, on medium speed, until combined. Scrape down bowl as needed. 

Add dry flour mixture to wet egg mixture in three separate additions, alternating with the sour cream (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix each addition, on low speed, just until combined. Transfer the sticky dough to a clean bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. 

Set the temperature of a deep fryer to 325F (165C) or fit a large pot with a candy thermometer and oil (at least 2-inch deep). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire cooling wrack onto the baking sheet. Prepare lemon poppy seed glaze and set aside until ready to use. 

On a well floured work surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out rounds and each of their centers (3 1/4-inch round cutter and 1 1/8-inch round cutter). Dip cutters into flour between each cut. Gently re-roll dough scraps and repeat. Shake off excess flour from rounds and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Transfer to the refrigerator and keep cool until the fryer is at the proper temperature.

Carefully add two dough rounds to the hot oil. Once the donuts float, about 10-15 seconds, gently flip them over. Fry for 2 minutes, until cracked and lightly golden, then flip over and fry the other side for 2 minutes. Again, flip over and fry for 1 minute. Flip once more and fry for another 1 minute. Transfer to the prepared cooling wrack. Immediately, coat each donut with glaze, flip over and glaze each of their tops. Sprinkle generously with poppy seeds. Repeat frying (allowing oil to reheat to 325F between each addition) and glazing process until all donuts are coated. Scrape up the glaze drippings that fall onto the parchment paper and reuse to finish coating donuts if needed.

Serve donuts warm or allow them to cool, store, and enjoy the next day. Store leftover donuts, in an airtight container, at room temperature. Donuts taste even better the following day as the glaze seeps into the donuts and seals in moisture.

Lemon Poppy Seed Glaze

350g  powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp  light corn syrup
1/4 tsp  kosher salt
1/2 tsp  vanilla extract
75ml  lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 3 lemons)
Poppy seeds

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, light corn syrup, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth. Any leftover glaze may be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.