Shelbyville Times-Gazette: Features: Yum! Optimist donuts are still a-round (08/31/09)

Walking horse owner George Walden of Chattanooga pays Ramses Ayala, left, and Ebe Basilio for a dozen Optimist Club doughnuts at the Celebration Thursday Night. The boys play on athletic teams at Harris Middle School that benefit from the Optimist Club fundraiser.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Order this photo]

There are only a few things in life that you can be sure of -- death, taxes, and someone claiming the Optimist Club doughnuts don't taste as good as they did last year.

"It happens every single year," said Travis Spivey, laughing. Spivey was manning the Optimist booth Thursday night. "Someone always says they don't taste as good, or we've changed the recipe. Nope. Same recipe as always."

Rafael Mendoza, left, watches as Christina Hernandez drops the doughnut batter in the hot oil.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves)

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"Are you kidding?" asked one customer, walking away with about six boxes, each containing a dozen of the dark, deep-fried delicacies. "I think they get even better every year."

The club ordered almost a half-ton of the secret recipe, which comes in a powdered form. Once it's all mixed, it's poured into a big stainless steel bowl attached to a metal arm. The cook swings the bowl out over a vat of hot oil and squeezes a trigger, releasing the pale yellow batter into the oil in perfect circles.

By the time the donuts come out, however, each one has gained its own unique shape.

But not flavor.

Optimist Travis Spivey looks at the doughnut batter mix. Another wall, even larger, is also filled with this year's order, which totalled 9,125 pounds.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves)

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"They taste the same as always," said Spivey. "We've been using this same recipe for years now."

There are factors -- the heat of the oil, how much it's been used, or even the humidity that can cause small variations in taste, but Spivey tells fans of the treat not to worry -- the dough remains the same.

But there's been another, even worse rumor trying to dispel the Optimists' optimism. Some perfidious purveyors of pernicious prevarications have pronounced the passing of the popular pastry.

"Someone's going around saying we're closed this year. Even the folks at the Celebration office called to see if we were selling doughnuts this year." said Spivey. He looked around and leaned forward, whispering conspiratorily. "I think it's another food booth..."

No, says the Optimist Club Doughnut. Rumors of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Just picked up my box this morning. It is a tradition with my family to get atleast 1 box every year even though we dont attend the horse show. Just might have to get another box before its too late. :)

-- Posted by AmericanWoman on Wed, Sep 2, 2009, at 2:04 PM

My office got a box yesterday and I have to say that they dont taste as good this year. All in the office agree that something has changed about them. They are still good....Just a little different.

-- Posted by doe-c-doe on Wed, Sep 2, 2009, at 4:37 PM

This statement... "The club ordered almost a half-ton of the secret recipe, which comes in a powdered form."

doesn't exactly equal this statement

"Optimist Travis Spivey looks at the doughnut batter mix. Another wall, even larger, is also filled with this year's order, which totalled 9,125 pounds."

Seems like 4 and a half tons were ordered! They were just as tasty this year, as every year prior :)

-- Posted by darrick_04 on Wed, Sep 2, 2009, at 7:03 PM

Have only had them one time. My opinion is:Over rated, over priced and nasy after they get cold.And if you try to re heat them, They get very geasey..

-- Posted by Wheelbillie on Wed, Sep 2, 2009, at 11:53 PM

Nothing in my opinion is better than hot Krispy Kremes so I may be a tad bias.

-- Posted by Dianatn on Thu, Sep 3, 2009, at 12:23 AM