Savoring the Season: Spiced Apple Cider Donuts & an Autumn Equinox Ritual

The air is crisp, the leaves are ablaze with color, and a gentle breeze whispers of cozy evenings spent indoors. There's a magic that settles over us with the arrival of the autumn equinox, a moment of perfect balance before we fully embrace the darkness of winter. For me, this time of year isn't just a change of seasons; it's an invitation to slow down, appreciate the harvest, and create lasting family traditions that nourish both body and soul.

This year, I'm sharing a tradition that combines the joy of fall baking with the grounding energy of the equinox: making spiced apple cider donuts. These aren't just any donuts; they're a delicious embodiment of the season, infused with the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of local apples, and the love we pour into creating something special together.

The Autumn Equinox: A Time for Reflection and Gratitude

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the significance of the autumn equinox. It's a time when day and night are equal, a beautiful representation of balance that encourages us to find equilibrium in our own lives. It’s a perfect moment for a harvest celebration.

Beyond the astronomical event, the autumn equinox has been celebrated for centuries as a time to give thanks for the abundance of the harvest and prepare for the months ahead. It's a natural time to reflect on what we've accomplished, release what no longer serves us, and set intentions for the future. What better way to honor this rhythm of nature than by gathering with loved ones and sharing a homemade treat made with the fruits of the season?

Spiced Apple Cider Donuts: A Taste of Autumn

These spiced apple cider donuts are more than just a sweet treat; they're a sensory experience. The aroma of baking apples and cinnamon fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft, cakey texture of the donuts melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering taste of fall.

This recipe emphasizes sustainable living by encouraging the use of locally sourced ingredients. Visit your local apple orchard, farmers market, or even your own backyard to gather the freshest apples possible. Not only will this support your community, but it will also enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your donuts.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple cider, locally sourced if possible
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Cider: In a saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to 1/2 cup. This intensifies the apple flavor and adds depth to the donuts. Let it cool slightly.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender donut.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reduced apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in tough donuts.

6. Fry the Donuts: Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a donut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters, cut out the donuts. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

7. Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

8. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Brush each donut with melted butter and then dredge in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating evenly.

9. Enjoy! Serve the homemade donuts warm and enjoy the delightful taste of autumn.

![Spiced Apple Cider Donuts Ingredients](data:image/jpeg;base64,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