#thedoughnutproject

Image: The Doughnut Project Instagram

Recently The Doughnut Project and Tullamore D.E.W. got together and birthed the D.E.W.nut, a doughnut stuffed with a Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey-infused apple filling, coated in a whiskey-infused glaze, topped with whipped cream and pie lattice.  

“The Tullamore D.E.W. and The Doughnut Project collaboration is one that our team is delighted about,” says Gillian Murphy, East Coast Ambassador for the brand. “The D.E.W.nut is a perfect way to celebrate fall with a delicious mix of apples and Tullamore D.E.W. Cider Cask. We are looking forward to working on more collaborations that expand the way our whiskey is enjoyed.”

At first, I was slightly skeptical about this alcoholic pastry. I don’t LOVE fruit-based desserts and how good could a whiskey doughnut be?! The answer, INCREDIBLE! I took a couple boxes of the sweet, ring-shaped fried cakes and a bottle of Tullamore D.E.W.’s new Cider Cask Finish (the first-ever whiskey to be finished in a hard apple cider cask) to the prestigious NYC law firm of Newman Ferrara. I was looking to get a diverse array of opinions from some of the most discerning critics and the verdict was unanimous! The boozy, apple-pie like doughnut is the perfect combination of modern innovation and classic sweet comfort (with a kick), leaving everyone wanting more.

Image: Lucas Ferrara, Newman Ferrara LLP

Image: The Tipsy Traveler

After receiving such rave reviews, I started to think about how tragic it is that these D.E.W.nuts have such a short shelf life, collaboratively speaking. Offered for only a limited time, the D.E.W.nut disappears after October 30! Even more  ill-timed as we’re just kicking off fall here in New York. With apples and whiskey as key ingredients, I can’t help but think of the medical benefits that these palm-sized pastries possess...

1. Apples Help Your Heart (and so does apple pie!!)

“Multiple studies show apples are good for your ticker—in multiple ways. Their high fiber content has been shown to help improve cholesterol levels (lowering bad LDL cholesterol and increasing good HDL cholesterol), according to researchers from Florida State University. A review of data from three major studies also found that people who ate whole fruits—including apples—were less likely to develop high blood pressure. And the Women's Health Study showed that women who ate apples over the seven-year study period had up to a 22 percent reduced risk of heart disease. Finally, a Dutch study found that eating apples and pears was associated with a 52 percent lower risk of stroke—thanks to their high fiber and a flavonoid called quercetin.“ - Eating Well

Image: The Doughnut Project Instagram

2. Whiskey Lowers The Risk of Dementia

“A study from 2003 published by the National Institute of Health says that adults who consumed one to six portions a week were half as likely to suffer dementia as non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. A 2011 German study came to a similar conclusion. This applied to alcohol generally as opposed to whisky specifically, though. I should also add that in 2015, Britain's National Health Service released new guidelines recommending alcohol be completely excised from your diet to decrease dementia risk.” - Forbes

3. Whiskey Reduces Stress

“There is no question that having a drink takes the edge off. Drinking a single serving of whiskey settles the nerves and calms the brain by slowing activity. After a long, hard day at the office, relax with a nice stiff drink. You've earned it.” - Wide Open Eats

4. Desserts Make You Happier

“Have you ever taken a bite of your favorite dessert and felt instantly transported to a higher level of happiness? That feeling is real.According to The Nest, foods that have a naturally high percentage of carbohydrates help the brain and body produce chemicals (such as serotonin) that contribute to overall emotional well-being.Indulging in your favorite dessert alters your mind and body in positive ways. Take full advantage of this scientific process by allowing yourself to enjoy your favorite sweet treat without that extra side of guilt. You really are doing something good for your body!” - Lifehack

5. The World Needs an Edible Hug

At the risk of taking this light, flaky and delicious post to a slightly more serious place, WE NEED THIS! The country and the world are in a dark place and I think if we all shared a box of whiskey-infused doughnuts and remembered what hospitality truly means, then we could start to have conversations filled with warmth and compassion. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think doughnuts will save the world, but they can help! 

If you have not gotten your hands on a fresh batch of D.E.W.nuts or you are need of more, RUN do not walk to The Doughnut Project (10 Morton Street) and get a box for yourself and a box for a friend. Hurry! Time is running out, unless this post somehow convinces them otherwise. Enjoy!!