Baked raspberry donuts paired with an awesome story sounds like a fun afternoon to me! I am such a fan of Laura Numeroff books. IF YOU GIVE A DOG A DONUT is written in the irresistible tradition of the “If You Give…” series. The boy in the story gives the dog a donut which leads him into asking for some apple juice. When he asks for more and there isn’t any, he wants to make his own. The apple reminds him of a baseball, so of course he wants to play! One thing leads to another, and much like motherhood, the list of his needs continues on and on until the story comes full circle (and the little boy is exhausted)!
My kids have been in the kitchen with me since their little faces couldn’t see over the island! I always kept a step-stool on hand so they would be able to reach and assist. Now at 9 and 7, they love getting their hands dirty…cracking eggs is their favorite task! We mostly cook together on the weekends when we’re less rushed. Its a great time to bond- lots of talking goes on while we wait for our creations to come out of the oven. It is messy and I’m still teaching myself to relax! I’m coming to the realization that our house is very lived in! I hope this pairing inspires you to get in the kitchen with your kiddies. These donuts are so delicious, you’ll be surprised how satisfying they are…without the greasy fingers!
Baked Raspberry Donuts
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raw cane sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (fill a cup with warm water and submerge stick of butter for about 1 minute)
1 large egg
1/2 cup light cream
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup of raspberries, chopped
Icing (store bought- optional)
Directions
The kids can help with most of these steps. I recommend you spooning the batter into the donut pan as it can be tough even for an adult. A grown up should also be responsible for the oven.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray donut pans and lightly dust.
In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar. I used my stand mixer.
Add the egg, cream, orange juice, and vanilla. Mix until combined well.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped raspberries (if you have an extra picky eater, skip this part and place one piece of raspberry on each donut once the pan has been filled with batter).
Carefully spoon the batter into the donut pan.
Bake for approximately 14 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before popping them out.
I let them cool before icing them with very little store bought icing. You can make your own or skip it altogether.
Craft Connection
This is the perfect book to review the letter D with your preschooler. You can look through a magazine and rip out the pictures of everything starting with the letter D and gluing them on construction paper. Dogs and donuts should definitely be on the list!
