The Great Donut Muffin

It was 2010, I was innocently sitting at home watching the Food Network, little did I know, my life was about to have a new purpose. Now you could say this is an exaggeration, but for the past three years my life has had one constant: the need for the Duffin.

What is a duffin you ask? Well let me tell you. The duffin is the love child of a donut and a muffin. As Candace Nelson said in that video 3 years ago, when she created my obsession, it is "the soul of a donut, but in the form of a muffin." The Downtown Bakery and Creamery in Healdsburg, CA has perfected this sugary pastry, and it was my mission to obtain it. And I did.

Just take a look at this beauty, how could you say it wasn't worth a 3 hour drive?

I feel we properly conveyed our sheer delight in the goodness. Imagine biting in to a perfectly moist muffin but with the flavor of a donut, coated in such a layer of cinnamon sugar that it immediately covers your face and lap and all other possible surfaces. Perfection.  

Quest for the donut muffin: complete. 

To add to the sheer brilliance of the duffin, it turns out its home town of Healdsburg, CA was just a darling little place. We spent the rest of the day sampling more of their delicious cuisine (of which there was an abundance) and enjoying the bright Sonoma Valley sunshine. 

We found an antique sitting right out on the street!

Macaroons and cupcakes BEFORE dinner?? We're just that rebellious.

After gorging ourselves on loads of sugar all day, we finally decided it was time for dinner and found a new appreciation for the food category of "tapas," which is, to my delight, lots of small plates of delicious food for sharing! We went to Bravas Bar de Tapas and it was utterly fantastic.

Creamy Chicken Croquettes ( MOLTEN LAVA hot, but scrumptious)

Fried duck egg, Chorizo cracklings, Toast

Monterey Calamari, Salsa Verde, Lemon

Lavender Quail, Sherried Grapes, Basque Honey
(Possibly one of the best things I've ever eaten)

We then went and spent a few hours just outside of Healdsburg to appreciate some truly spectacular nature. 

If you ever happen to find yourself in Healdsburg, try to make it a Tuesday. A free outdoor concert takes place every Tuesday in the town square and it was just a great atmosphere. A bunch of small town friends, parents, and kids setting up picnics to enjoy some music, each other, and the summer air. Trust me, it's the kind of setting that makes you just want to pick up and move to this little town so you can be a part of it all.

Overall it was a really perfect and spectacular day with some of my favorite people.

Yours, Kenna