If you’re like most people, your thought process surrounding doughnuts likely only focuses on where the best place is to get them and which flavors to choose once you get there! If you take a break from enjoying your sugary sweet pastry for a moment and actually think about the mechanics of a doughnut, you may begin to wonder how it got its unusual shape. Where did the signature hole in the doughnut come from?

Doughnuts are very dense, chewy pastries, so the main reason for their middle hole is to ensure that they cook all the way through. No one knows for sure which smart baker first came up with this ingenious idea, but fried doughnuts have been around in some form—with or without the hole—for hundreds of years. There is a longstanding myth that a 1930s sea captain named Hanson Gregory first invented the holed doughnut, but because the only proof is Gregory’s story itself, there’s really no way of knowing if this tale is true!

Holy Grail: Why Do Doughnuts Have Holes? [Cakespy]
Why Do Doughnuts Have Holes? [Today I Found Out]
Why Do Donuts Have Holes In The Middle? [Knows Why]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Kiran Foster

Beginning with a dream to bring authentic Thai food to the United States more than two decades ago, the owners of Thai Luang have turned this Herndon restaurant into a popular destination for Thai cuisine. Thai Luang's chefs use only the freshest ingredients and spices to maintain meticulous authenticity.

One serious standout menu item (referred to as “last meal”-worthy by one diner) is the carefully deboned crispy duck, marinated overnight and cooked to-order. Seasoning options include a spicy red curry, lightly sweetened with coconut milk, pineapple and sweet basil. For more mild flavors, experience the duck in a rice noodle soup or a citrusy salad. Steamed pork dumplings filled with tenderly marinated pork, Pad Thai and a variety of curry dishes are also popular menu selections.

The ambiance features intricate royal Thai artwork and other delightful little touches. The service is known as friendly and attentive, and the owners are even known to check in with guests.

Thai Luang Restaurant
171 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 478-2233
www.thailuang.com
www.yelp.com/biz/thai-luang-restaurant-herndon

CC-BY-SA-3.0/Flickr/jimlightfoot26

Eggs are essential ingredients in a number of dishes, but they can also be dangerous to your health if handled incorrectly. To reduce your risk of salmonella and other diseases that come from eggs, follow these important guidelines.

1. Shop smart. The first step toward healthy egg care is inspecting your eggs in the grocery store for cracks or dirty appearance. Also be sure to only purchase eggs that are stored in a refrigerated case.
2. Store them properly. Eggs should be stored in a clean spot in the refrigerator at 40° F or lower.
3. Cook them thoroughly. If you’re preparing scrambled eggs or another egg dish, be sure that both the yolk and white are firm and that the egg reaches a temperature of 160°F. Never eat batter or dough containing raw eggs before it's cooked or baked.
4. Store egg dishes properly. Dishes made of only eggs cannot be stored, so be sure to eat them immediately after cooking. If you prepare something else that contains eggs, always keep it refrigerated.
5. Keep it clean. Even if you use the utmost care when handling eggs, it’s essential to wash your hands, cooking and prep surfaces, and any utensils thoroughly to remove any traces of eggs. Wash hands and utensils with hot, soapy water, and scrub kitchen countertops with bleach or another germ-killing product.

Playing It Safe With Eggs [FDA]
Eggs & Food Safety [Incredible Egg]
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs [CDC]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/woodleywonderworks