The Fried Dough Ho

A few weeks ago, I took a road trip up the Pacific Northwest and one of my favorite places to visit is Pike’s Place Market. Stall #7 is a local favorite, Daily Dozen Doughnut Company which has been owned and operated by Barbara Elza for over 18 years. For those who have never been to Pike’s Place Market, it is a Seattle institution for over a hundred years — one of the oldest public markets in the country. Contained within are stalls selling fresh fish, vegetables, craftspeople, and eateries.

And then there is this ubiquitous little doughnut stand. Decorated with fake rats of all ilk, the diminutive stall is probably 10′ x 15′ square shows off the machine that manufactures hundreds and hundreds of the miniature morsels. Approximately 2″ around, these are a cross between doughnut holes and full-on doughnuts because of their bite-size nature. It is great fun to watch the conveyor belt of hot, liquid fat marshal the doughy soldiers through their cooking process.

Once fried and cooled, these doughnuts are simply garnished (or not) in four basic flavors: plain, cinnamon, powdered sugar, and chocolate frosting with sprinkles. They are sold in half-dozen and dozen count bags (nope, you can’t buy just one), but at least they give you the option of making an assortment of the daily flavor offerings. Because of the shear volume, they sell out quickly so the machine is constantly making more and you are guaranteed a warm, fresh offering. It is nothing other than a simple cake recipe and there is nothing artisanal or fancy here; just a very good, basic warm fried dough.

Unfortunately for me that day, the cinnamon was not available, but I suffered through the powdered sugar and chocolate glazed with sprinkles. With a carton of milk. The Daily Dozen Doughnut Company also sells a range of coffee drinks (well, it IS Seattle, after all), but I like my fried dough with milk. This is definitely a must-visit for any doughnut fan.