DK’s Donuts

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It’s a fact, one of my most favorite desserts is a delicious donut (or doughnut). So, it’s kind of a thing for me to at least check out one spot that’s really doing a great job at churning out some tasty fried dough (again, not sure why we can’t just settle on “doughnuts”…they’re made out of dough, not do, right?) So, I visited DK’s Donuts in Santa Monica.

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This family owned shop has been open for over thirty years, so, they have to be doing something right. And yes, they certainly are. From the outside, you might not think too much, it’s in a small strip-mallish type center, looks like a little bodega (for my NYC folk), nothing fancy. But inside, there are bakery cases full of sweet treasures. Oh, and they’re open 24-hours, and deliver! Why the hell don’t we have a 24-hour donut/doughnut shop in NYC (I see you, Donut Pub) that ALSO delivers? Well, LA does. They have an array of different types of donuts and baked goods, including their O-Nuts, their take on the Cronut. Now, since I haven’t had Dominique Ansel’s creation yet (I know, I know, it’s been around for like 20 years at this point), I didn’t want to start with this one (no offense, DK’s). But, I had a ton of other options to go for.

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First, I got their Peanut Butter Puff Donut (yeast donut, chocolate glaze, chocolate chips, peanut butter). So, this thing was the size of my entire hand (note: my hands are probably smaller than average, but, still, it’s an adult hand, so, the point is, it was a big donut). And, it was delicious. The donut was light and airy, and coated with the chocolate glaze, which was not overly sweet, giving this a really nice combination.

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Then, in the center, you have the peanut butter. And not like, a peanut buttery frosting or filling, actual, straight up, peanut butter. I could see how that might go either way for a person, love or not love, but I really enjoyed it. It’s thick and dense, and everything that peanut butter is, but when it’s combined with the light dough and the chocolate glaze, it’s a home run for me. 

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Then, I got The Original Ube Purple Yam Donut with Pistachios. This was totally unique to me, and I’m so glad I got it. It’s a cake donut, so it has a bit more heft to it, which I love, and glazed with a purple icing, topped with the pistachios. You don’t get a strong taste from the ube, but you do have the bright purple color, which makes it special. It’s a bit crisp on the outer edges, but perfectly cakey and (I hate this word but have to use it) moist on the inside. Basically, it’s super delicious and I’d eat this all the time.

The Shorts:
Name: DK’s Donuts
Location: 1614 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
The Long and Short: Would I go back? Hell yes. The donuts are delicious, the service is friendly, and the goods are really inexpensive ranging from 99 cents to around $2.50 an item. 
Would I recommend it? For sure, they’re definitely worth checking out. Side note, I voluntarily walked about 1.5 miles there and back (3 miles) to get these. It was well worth it. 

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Hester Holiday Market

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One of the most fun places to get all of your holiday shopping done in NYC is at the pop-up holiday markets. There are a handful of great ones, like Artists and Fleas in Williamsburg, that I’ve vended at, but one worth checking out is the Hester Holiday Market at One Penn Plaza. 

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There are about 30 amazing vendors there at the convenient and famous 34th Street right near Macy’s, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. There are booths selling handmade jewelry, accessories, art and artisanal foods and beverages.  I’ll be there selling my Squish Marshmallows (follow on Twitter and Instagram to see what dates I’ll be there) there, by the bag, holiday gift boxes, and even by the piece with the option to have your marshmallow roasted. 

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I’ll also be sharing my booth with two other amazing vendors. There’s Jam Jar Bakery, selling all natural, made from scratch, pies in little mason jars. They’re ready to eat and super delicious. I even wrote a a previous post here

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Also at at the booth is JLR, fun, whimsical pop-art paintings and designs. These are beyond fun and adorable and make incredible gifts for others, or, great artwork for you to hang up in your own space. 

You can find a full list of all the other great vendors here.

The Shorts:
Name: Hester Holiday Market
Location: One Penn Plaza (between 33rd and 34th Street and 7th and 8th Avenues), NYC
Dates: December 1st-21st