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Every year, Doughnut Appreciation Day gives us the perfect excuse to indulge in one of the world’s most beloved pastries. But this year, our celebration went beyond sprinkles and glaze. On the latest episode of From Dough to Delight, we explored the rich cultural and historical layers of doughnuts with none other than Hedrun Metzler, author of German Heritage Baking.

?? A Journey Through Doughnut History

Doughnuts may be a staple of American coffee shops, but their roots stretch far deeper. In our interview, Hedrun shared how traditional German pastries—like Berliner Pfannkuchen and Fasnachts—laid the groundwork for what many of us recognize as the modern doughnut. These treats weren’t just desserts; they were celebratory foods tied to holidays, harvests, and regional customs.

Her insights reminded us that behind every bite is a story—of migration, adaptation, and culinary creativity.

?? The Art of German Baking

Hedrun’s passion for preserving German baking traditions shines through in her book and in our conversation. She spoke about the meticulous techniques passed down through generations, the importance of regional ingredients, and the joy of baking as a communal experience. Whether it’s shaping dough by hand or waiting patiently for the perfect rise, German baking is as much about process as it is about product.

Listeners were treated to anecdotes from her childhood, tales of baking with her grandmother, and tips for recreating authentic German doughnuts at home.

??? Why Doughnuts Matter

At first glance, doughnuts might seem like simple confections. But as this episode revealed, they’re cultural artifacts—symbols of celebration, resilience, and shared heritage. From the powdered sugar-dusted Fasnacht to the jam-filled Berliner, each variation tells a story of place and people.

Doughnut Appreciation Day isn’t just about eating—it’s about honoring the traditions that brought these delights to our tables.

?? Want to Learn More?

If Hedrun’s stories sparked your curiosity, be sure to check out her book German Heritage Baking. It’s a treasure trove of German baking recipes.

Thanks for tuning in to this weeks episode. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a doughnut devotee, we hope this episode added a little sweetness to your day. Stay tuned for more culinary deep dives, and don’t forget to treat yourself—today and every day.

Fore more recipes get your copy of the Gourmand World Award Winning book that has become a Holiday Tradition around the world

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions- 2nd edition

For more delicious interviews tune in to The Maria Liberati Show

Companies have been submitting their products for consideration of my Best Products Holiday Guides. So here are the next ones that I have selected

?? Sustainable Stocking Stuffers
Perfect for the planet-loving people on your list, these small but mighty gifts combine thoughtful design with earth-friendly values.

?? BeeSpa 
Treat someone special to spa-quality skin this holiday season with BeeSpa’s ultra-rich Hand + Foot Cream. Infused with natural bee ingredients and botanical oils, it deeply hydrates dry, cracked skin—leaving hands and feet silky smooth and rejuvenated. Perfect for winter pampering or stocking stuffers! Love their Ultra Moisturizer Hand & foot Cream and the Honey Lips! Especia;;y love both of these products. The moisturizer is definitely an Ultra Moisturizer and they harness the moisturizing properties of Honey!

?? Dionis Goat Milk Hand Cream & Lip Balm Set
Pamper your loved ones with the ultra-hydrating power of goat milk. Dionis’ Hand Cream delivers rich moisture without greasiness—perfect for winter hands—while their cult-favorite Lip Balm soothes and softens with a creamy blend of goat milk, beeswax, and shea butter. Dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, this duo is a thoughtful treat for anyone who deserves a little extra care.

Their rich body creams and soap bar are really luscious for your skin and love the anti-wrinkle serum and deodorant stick all based on goat milk.Dionis Goat Milk Skincare blends farm-fresh goat milk with clean, nourishing ingredients to create gentle, effective skincare for all skin types.  I love the rich feel of all the creams on my skin, so rich and ultra smoothing!

?? Tidalove Oral Care Chews & Mouthwash Tablets
Upgrade your smile this season with Tidalove’s innovative oral care essentials. Their Toothpaste Chews and Mouthwash Tablets are packed with enamel-strengthening Nano-Hydroxyapatite, breath-freshening botanicals like green tea and xylitol, and zero harsh chemicals. These waterless, travel-friendly formulas come in refreshing flavors like Minty Frost and Yuzu—and they’re plastic-free, vegan, and perfect for anyone who loves clean beauty and conscious living. Tidalove offers eco-friendly oral care chews and mouthwash tablets designed to elevate your routine with clean, waterless formulas and sustainable packaging. These are so convenient when traveling, great for those long flights when it is inconvenient to brush your teeth! I keep these in my carry on luggage!

?? Gifts for Pet Lovers
Whether you’re shopping for a devoted dog parent or a cat cuddler, these thoughtful picks will delight pets and their humans alike.

?? Always Off Leash Rinseless Shampoo & Everything Balm
Give your pup the gift of comfort and care this holiday season with Always Off Leash’s grooming duo. The Rinseless Shampoo refreshes coats between baths with calming lavender and cedarwood, while the Everything Balm soothes dry paws, noses, and ears using coconut, shea, and argan oils. Both are vegan, cruelty-free, and made to support skin health—so your dog can run, jump, and drool in style. My fur babies just love getting groomed with the rinselss shampoo and the balm is great especialy for their paws!

?? Charlee Bear Treat Trio: Nuggets, Grain Free Bites & Grainola Bites

Charlee Bear crafts wholesome, low-calorie dog treats—like their Nuggets, Grain Free Bites, and Grainola Bites—made with real ingredients and tail-wagging flavor.
Spoil your pup with a variety of delicious, healthy treats this holiday season. Nuggets are crunchy on the outside with a flavorful filling dogs crave—like P.B. & Beary Parfait or Sunny Side Up. Grain Free Bites offer simple, meaty goodness with freeze-dried fruits and veggies you can see. And Grainola Bites (aka Bearnola™) are oven-baked with pantry favorites like oats, honey, and cranberries. All treats are made in the USA, with no artificial flavors or preservatives—just pure joy in every bite. Charlee Bear crafts wholesome, low-calorie dog treats—like their Nuggets, Grain Free Bites, and Grainola Bites—made with real ingredients and tail-wagging flavor. My fur babies just love these treats and I love that they are also low in calories and all natural!

?? Wellness & Vitality
Support your loved ones’ health goals with gifts that nourish the body, calm the mind, and energize the spirit.

?? Healthy Liver Supplement by Terry Naturally
Show your liver some love this holiday season with a thoughtful wellness gift. Healthy Liver combines three powerhouse ingredients—Milk Thistle, Andrographis EP80, and French Grape Seed Extract VX1—to help protect against oxidative stress, promote detoxification, and enhance liver function. Ideal for health-conscious friends or anyone looking to start the new year feeling refreshed and revitalized. Healthy Liver by Terry Naturally is a premium supplement designed to support liver detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and overall cellular health.

??? Mindful Home
Create cozy, intentional spaces with gifts that soothe the senses and elevate everyday rituals.

?? Slow North Aromatherapy Candles

Slow North candles are hand-poured in Austin, TX using pure essential oils and soy wax for a clean, non-toxic burn that transforms any space into a sanctuary.
Bring warmth and wellness into your holiday gifting with Slow North’s beautifully crafted candles. Made with 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and therapeutic-grade essential oils, each candle is free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and petroleum byproducts. Scents like Eucalyptus + Lavender or Orange + Clove offer calming, seasonal vibes, while their minimalist packaging makes them perfect for gifting. Slow North is a woman-owned brand committed to sustainability and mindfulness—ideal for anyone who loves clean living and cozy moments. The candles add an elegant touch to my home!

?? LumiCup Sustainable Aluminum Drinkware

LumiCup is a sleek, endlessly recyclable aluminum cup that keeps drinks colder 70% longer—offering a stylish, sustainable alternative to single-use plastic.For the eco-conscious entertainer, LumiCup delivers form, function, and sustainability in one chic vessel. Made from lightweight aluminum, these single-use cups are fully recyclable, customizable, and designed to keep beverages cold longer. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or gifting a greener alternative to plastic, LumiCup makes it easy to sip responsibly without sacrificing style.

?? Outdoor Living
Celebrate the season with gifts that bring comfort, style, and relaxation to the great outdoors.

?? YEFU Classic & Foldable Adirondack Chairs

YEFU Adirondack Chairs combine timeless design with modern durability—crafted from all-weather materials for effortless outdoor living.
Give the gift of relaxation with YEFU’s beautifully designed Adirondack chairs. Made from fade-resistant, maintenance-free HIPS plastic, these chairs offer the classic wood-look charm without the upkeep. Options include foldable styles, retractable ottomans, and oversized models with cup holders—perfect for patios, porches, or fire pit gatherings. With elegant color choices like navy, teak, and aruba blue, YEFU chairs bring comfort and style to any outdoor space. I just love the way these create style in my outdoor space!

**Disclaimer:

Some of the products featured in this guide were provided to me as samples by the brands. I only feature the items that I genuinely believe are high-quality and a good fit for my audience.