Doughnut Holes

So simple, so perfect: the doughnut hole. I visited some friends this weekend and didn’t want to show up empty-handed (like Momma taught me), so I brought along some doughnut holes:

Bag o’ mouth-watering goodness

 

These almost literally melt in your mouth. Sugary goodness in a little bite. A deceptively little bite. I might have eaten more of these than I should have. I’m sure my friends might confess to the same thing: the perfection of the glazed doughnut is very hard to resist.

Gibson’s treats the doughnut hole with a casual respect. They’re not often plainly visible in the display case. No big sign inviting people to try them. But anyone who knows Gibson’s knows they’re readily available. And that they are very, very tastee. I ordered three dozen, and the helpful Gibson’s person disappeared to the kitchen and returned just a few minutes later with a bag full o’ glazed goodness.

Tastee score: 10

Mr. DeWeese, the owner, chatted with me about A&M football while I waited (I was wearing my MidSouth A&M Club t-shirt). In fact, he engaged in friendly banter with all his customers. Perhaps he has set a bar of friendliness and helpfulness that all the Gibson’s people aspire to – and meet on a consistent basis.

Doughnut news: Gibson’s fall flavors are OUT, y’all! Pumpkin and pink icing. It will be very hard to wait until next weekend!

Chocolate Cruller a/k/a World’s Fair a/k/a Tractor Wheel

In preparation for the Presidential Debate, I decided I needed comfort food. And what says – dare I say shouts and interrupts someone – comfort like a chocolate doughnut?

The Very Helpful Gibson’s person (I might as well just say “Gibson’s person” because all of them are helpful, friendly, and amazingly efficient) explained this doughnut has many names, including World’s Fair and / or Tractor Wheel. I can see the reason for the name “Tractor Wheel”, but World’s Fair? I googled and wikipedia-ed, but came up dry. If any of you know the reason for that name, please let me know in the comments. I’m serious. I want to know doughnut history.

I bought this doughnut on Sunday afternoon. I ate it towards the end of the Presidential Debate on Monday night. For those of you who have blocked the Debate, here’s a short summary:

I think that disaster was the reason this doughnut did not bring the joy that Gibson’s doughnuts normally do. But it was chocolate; it was Gibson’s; it was as good as your gonna get for a day-and-a half-old doughnut while watching two people shout and roll their eyes at each other.

But I will put this on the “try again” list and eat it closer to the point of purchase.

Tastee score: 8.

Doughnut news: Gibson’s tip jar is / was labeled “College Fund.” Throw in a little extra change next time you visit. Any one of the helpful, knowledgeable, efficient servers would make a great leader in business, government (ahem!), medicine or education one day.