Recipe: Love and Nature Valentine’s Doughnut

Here is the illustrated design of a Valentine’s Day themed doughnut that beautifully marries the concepts of love and nature.

Ingredients

For the Doughnut:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into small pieces

Soft Pink Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• Soft pink gel food coloring

Decorations:

• Assorted edible flowers
• Fondant or icing leaves (green-tinted)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Sugar pearls

Instructions

1. Dough Preparation:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
   • Add the eggs and milk to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
   • Incorporate the butter pieces until the dough is smooth and elastic.
   • Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
2. Shaping and Baking:
   • Roll out the dough and cut out doughnut shapes.
   • Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet, cover, and let them rise again until puffy.
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the doughnuts for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
   • Allow the doughnuts to cool on a wire rack.
3. Soft Pink Glaze:
   • Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of pink food coloring until smooth.
4. Decoration:
   • Dip each doughnut into the pink glaze.
   • Arrange the edible flowers and fondant leaves on the glaze before it sets.
   • Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle sugar pearls for a decorative finish.

This doughnut is a delightful combination of floral beauty and sweet flavors, perfect for celebrating love in a natural and romantic way.