No one knows more about ginger than the folks at Krispy Kreme. The company first started selling ginger donuts in 1965 as a limited-time offer to commemorate the opening of its first international location in Atlanta. Since then, the donut has become synonymous with the word “grinder.” Today, Krispy Kreme sells more than 40 varieties of ginger donuts. There are even specialty fried dough variations like butterscotch and salty-sugary glazed. So it’s no wonder that this superfood is now so popular among foodies and health nuts alike! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the slimy little root vegetable—whether you’re a fan of traditional gingery treats or trying something new:
Ginger Snap Treats
Ginger is a superfood, meaning that it is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also known to lower blood pressure and improve digestion. What’s not to love? So naturally, when it comes to ginger you’ll find plenty to love. Krispy Kreme offers three popular candies made with ginger: ginger snaps, gingerbread donuts, and gingerbread men. For ginger snaps, we recommend the Original, Sugar-Free, and Red Light varieties. Each taste slightly different, but overall they contain the same amount of ginger, but in a reduced amount. We like toasted shredded coconut in our ginger snap treats, along with almonds and walnuts. For a balanced snack, we recommend pairing your ginger snap treats with a green drink like kale, spinach, or romaine salad.
Fried Dough with Ginger Snap Glaze
Fried dough is a classic, but many people are under the misconception that it has to be deep-fried. In fact, the traditional method is to “grill” the dough, which causes the sugar in the dough to caramelize and generate a rich, savory flavor. However, you can also buy ready-made fried dough from many grocery stores these days. While you can certainly make your own version, it’s easier to just buy it frozen. Toppings for fried dough vary depending on the store, but generally, it consists of butter, sugar, eggs, and cornmeal. Ginger snaps are a perfect choice for a fried dough snack. The sweetness of the donuts balances out the sourness of the glaze, resulting in a pleasant flavor combination. We like to top our fried donuts with toasted coconut, almonds, and walnuts for a balanced snack.
Salt and Pepper Tried-and-True Grinders
You can pretty much sprinkle salt wherever you want in your kitchen, right? Well, add it to your ginger snap treats to give them a more complex flavor profile. Try it with garlic and you’ll get the idea. To make your own ginger-salt-and-pepper blend, you can buy them ready-made at the grocery store or online. If you’re not a big fan of salt, you can try toasting seeds and nuts in a high-quality oil like sunflower or sesame. One of the best parts about these snacks is that you can make them ahead of time and chill them until you’re ready to serve them. We love to make a batch of these when we’re having a party, giving them as gifts, or just want to share some healthy snack treats with our friends.
Spicy Mary Mix
Spicy mayo is a classic, but it’s not the only one. You can try adding other seasonings like cayenne, paprika, oregano, and even chili powder to create your own unique mix. We love our spicy mix with garlic and a bit of fresh cilantro. It’s a great snack with any meal because it’s so easy to make and can be eaten on its own, with a sandwich, or as a dip. We usually top our spicy mix with toasted coconut flakes, red pepper flakes, and almonds for a balanced snack.
Baked Goods
We love to bake because it gives us the opportunity to make different kinds of pies, tarts, bars, and cookies. Baking also happens to be one of the best ways to enjoy ginger because you get to create your own batter and frosting combinations. You can also try your hand at making gingerbread houses, gingerbread towns, gingerbread figures, and gingerbread men. To make the houses, we recommend using cinnamon, clove, and ginger. To make the figures, we recommend using peppermint and anything sweet. To make the frosting, don’t forget about that yummy coconut milk! If you want to get fancy, you can also add ghee, honey, or sugar. We love how ghee and coconut milk create a really rich and buttery flavor in our baked goods.
Crunchy Brownies
Brownies are probably the most famous ginger donut flavor, so it’s no surprise that they make the list. Brownies are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re perfect for kids since they’re sugar-free and contain no flour. What’s not to love? To make your own brownies recipe, use half butter and half ghee. Then, add in nuts, seeds, and oats for a healthy treat that’s packed with protein. We like to top our brownies with cocoa powder and almonds for a nice crunchy finish.
Wrapped in Wraps or a Parchment Paper Roll
Wraps are the perfect snack for those who want to enjoy their ginger donuts remotely. They can be eaten as a snack at home or out, and they can be consumed as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner item. Wraps are also easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. There are many different types of wrappers, so you can use whatever you like. We recommend using a moisture-content-controlled plastic bag since it will allow you to wrap your donuts properly and securely.
Summary
Ginger is a superfood, meaning that it is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also known to lower blood pressure and improve digestion. What’s not to love? So naturally, when it comes to ginger you’ll find plenty to love. Krispy Kreme offers three popular candies made with ginger: ginger snaps, gingerbread donuts, and gingerbread men. For ginger snaps, we recommend the Original, Sugar Free, and Red Light varieties. Each taste slightly different, but overall they contain the same amount of ginger, but in a reduced amount. We like toasted shredded coconut in our ginger snap treats, along with almonds and walnuts. For a balanced snack, we recommend pairing your ginger snap treats with a green drink like kale, spinach, or romaine salad.
