Baked Donuts ~ Happy "FIT" Tuesday!

A paczki is a traditional Polish doughnut traditionally eaten on Fat Thursday, the Thursday which falls before Lent. Paczkis are deep-fried and shaped like a sphere, often filled with a sweet filling and topped with icing sugar or orange zest. They are made with lard, sugar, eggs and fruit - therefore people celebrate Paczki Day prior to lent to fill up on all these ingredients before their fast begins. So, to sum up, Paczkis basically run around 500 calories (give or take 20), filled with nothing but sugar and artrey clogging ingredients and have between 14-23 grams of fat (this is equivalent to a double cheese burger served at a fast food chain with golden arches). 

Is it worth it? 

American's consumption of sugar continues to riser year after year.  So too, does obesity in our county.  In my opinion, the correlation between increased sugar consumption and obesity is telling.  When 16-20% of daily calorie intake is coming from sugar, Americans are not only locking in stored body fat, but also squeezing out the healthier, more supportive and nutrient-dense food.    These simple carbs increases blood sugar levels which also increases insulin that can elevate appetite and the risk of excess fat storage.

Is it worth it?

Below is my alternative to the Fat Tuesday's tradition with less sugar, fat and calories as the Paczki.  ENJOY!

Equipment:  
bowls & spoons
hand mixer
whisk
donut maker  (I used Baby Cakes®)
brown lunch bags

Ingrediants:

1 c flour
1/3 c whole wheat flour  
1/2 t baking powder
3/4 c skim milk  or unsweetened almond milk
1/2 c brown sugar
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c yogurt (I used plain Greek)
1 egg 
1 t vanilla
2 t cinnamon

Options:  mini grain-sweetened chocolate chips, substitute applesauce for oil

Toppings placed in brown lunch bag and large bowl for shaking:
1 part cinnamon + 2 parts raw sugar or Stevia (in Tablespoon amount)  OR
1 part unsweetened cocoa powder + 2 parts raw sugar or Stevia  OR
2 T protein powder (any flavor, i.e.  cinnabun, chocolate or vanilla)


Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. In separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Pour all together and using a mixer, blend until smooth. Spray reservoirs of the donut maker with non stick spray and fill each  of about 2 t of batter.  Bake 4-5mins.

Carefully remove from unit and place hot donuts in a paper bag and dust/shake with topping of choice until fully covered. Gently place donuts on cool rack for 2 mins. 

HAPPY "FIT" TUESDAY!