Many New York bakeries have started to try and change one of the state's greatest inventions (TSM Poughkeepsie)
From tuxedos to toilet paper, there have been some amazing inventions to come out of New York State. Unfortunately, the greatest one of all has recently come under attack.
New York inventions can be put into two camps: helpful (like the steel snowplow invented in Clayton, NY), and fun (pie a la mode, which started in Cambridge, NY). And while progress can usually make the world better, some things are better left alone.
Let's begin by stating the obvious: the following is in no way newsworthy and is entirely a passionate opinion. That being said, the greatest invention to come out of New York (no, not teddy bears or the sport of volleyball) is under attack.
New York is one of the largest apple producers in the country. It should come as no surprise then that almost all historians credit the state with inventing the greatest pastry ever made: the apple cider donut. Unfortunately, some well-intentioned bakers are desecrating New York's most holy (hole-y?) treat.
It's common New York State knowledge that cider donuts are best enjoyed hot, fresh, and with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. While some purists may opt for a plain cider donut without the sugar, nearly everyone agrees that in no instance should icing, or any other pastry topping adorn the heavenly creation.
Unfortunately, some bakeries have decided to attempt to improve on the un-improvable, adding decadent, sugary toppings to a treat that is meant to be balanced. How can the sourness of the cider interact with the sweetness of the sugar dusting if it's overloaded with a slab of icing (below)?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the availability of these Franken-pastries must mean that there is a market for souped-up, ultra-sweet donuts... But is nothing sacred? Luckily, the Hudson Valley is almost entirely against these new creations, according to an informal poll (below).
The invention seems to be a byproduct of the "more is more" mentality, or at least the desire to make a splash in a world where visibility is key for the survival of a business. Unfortunately, while these "super foods" might look great as a social media post, they often fall flat when it comes to actually eating them.
The donuts pictured are from a business in Albany, NY, though there are several examples of "fancy" cider donuts being sold in the Hudson Valley. While there is no ill-will towards local businesses trying to have some fun (and stand out on Instagram), the truth is that some things are better left untouched. Check out more New York inventions below.