Hope is a Second Fudge Doughnut

A behemoth of the bakery. This is no shrinking violet, European patisserie. No delicate tartlet filled with fruits and sugar syrup. No gossamer filo pastry casing containing a soupcon of sweet filling. If it was a person, you would probably cross the road to avoid potential confrontation on a late night walk home.

When you get to know it, you realise that this is a false impression. It is a gentle giant. Hodor rather than Godzilla. Whilst it is undoubtedly an apex predator, this solid pastry, surrounding a cool cream filling, topped with a fudge that must be the food of the gods. The fudge doughnut is an institution and for me the purchase of more than one is the embodiment of hope.

Such a solid treat is a one-shot deal. Two would probably lead to a sugar-induced torpor rendering the glutton unable to move. Taking the position that even Chuck Norris might only be able to maybe share a second, led me to consider why the second one represents hope.

Even if the purchase of two of these lumps of loveliness, which would set someone back £3.50, is for sole consumption, then this is a display of hope. It says that the buyer certainly views tomorrow as at least as good as today. It also says that for a decent part of tomorrow one can look forward to the taste sensation that is a fudge doughnut.

It can also be the tingle of the anticipation of sharing the experience of the delicious product with someone you care for. It could be a gift to say thank you for reaffirming the kindness of others. No, I have not brought one to share; this is one, just for you.

People used to say that there would be no wars if those that sent young men off to fight were locked in some sort of Thunderdome where two men enter, one man leaves. If the parties in dispute sat down with a nice mug of tea and a fresh fudge doughnut each, they might see the future differently. It is, of course, somewhat risible to consider a baker’s favourite as a physical manifestation of the concept of hope. I recognise that some would disagree, but it is my contention that whilst the second fudge doughnut will not bring about world peace, it certainly cannot hurt.