Monday, September 17, 2007

The Great Apple Cider Donut Quest


Apple Cider Donuts
Originally uploaded by watchjennybake.
When I lived in Indiana (from 2000-2006), I remember reading an autobiography where the author, who was a Hoosier, pontificated about apple cider donuts. I was intrigued and tried finding some within a daytrip distance from where I lived, but never could. The closest I could find were in Michigan, at least 3.5 hours away.

Now I live in South Carolina, and the thought occurred to me the other day that I had not yet taken up my quest since moving. I did a search and came across the Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, past Spartanburg but well within an easy drive of home. They are basically open two months a year and that's it! The quest began.

Windy Hill Orchard
I have to say, the Windy Hill Orchard isn't nearly the tourist attraction or as large as Sky Top Orchard in North Carolina where we went last year. But you can pick apples, buy donuts, apple bread, apple cider, Wassail, and pumpkins.

Windy Hill Orchard stash
I picked up a jug of Wassail to drink on Halloween or Thanksgiving, if it lasts that long. The donuts were good - we got the kind that had been rolled in cinnamon-sugar. Even better warmed up a little.

Another week without something I actually baked, but I like to feature local places from time to time. This isn't a bakery exactly, but a cider mill that bakes donuts? Clearly can't be ignored.

Categories: Apples, Bakery, Donuts, Local Food

6 comments:

Deborah said...

I grew up basically living in an apple orchard, but I have never heard of apple cider donuts before. These sound amazing - I'll have to see if I can find any around here (or try to come up with a recipe!)

Peabody said...

Oh how I LOVE cider doughnuts. I can't wait till we pick out our pumpkin next month and get some cider and doughnuts!

Neeya. said...

I think I've had somewhere close to 30 apple cider donuts from Windy Hill Orchard in the last couple of weeks...I really need to stop eating their donuts, lol, but I only live about 25 minutes away, so it's too easy to get them! Thank goodness for a donut loving SO and two Chihuahuas that get their tiny bits of donut, as they now come speeding around the kitchen corner as soon as they hear the box crack open. I love their apple bread drizzled with honey and butter then toasted, and they keep me loaded with fresh eggs!

Neeya. said...

I actually googled "Windy Hill Orchard Apple Cider Donuts" and your entry popped up! :) It's nice to find another SC foodblogger!

Helene said...

Sky Top has become ridiculous these past couple of years! The donuts look incredible!

Anonymous said...

I am with you on the doughnut quest. Had them at SkyTop Orchard (ridiculously crowded btw), and want the exact recipe. Not on Skytop recipe page. Have you found the perfect recipe yet?