I’ve written 515 posts here (admittedly, some of them are probably drafts that never made it to the big leagues). I won’t tell you how many visitors I’ve had here since Day 1, partially because my friend Lydia said that sharing your blog traffic on your blog is like telling everyone your bathing suit size. Since I started my blog almost three and a half years ago, it’s changed a lot.
When I was twenty-four I started writing here because I liked to write, but looking back, it was really a way to fill my boring evenings. When I was living in New York, I didn’t have much of a social life, at my own doing. Point in case: two months before I started my blog, a college friend had invited me to a St. Patrick’s Day Party in Hoboken and I declined. I wanted to stay home and make a turkey meat loaf recipe I had seen in Real Simple.
Who wouldn’t want to party with me?
Initially I was awed with how many people I was meeting through blogging. I went to the Martha Stewart Blogger Show, where I met Matt Armendariz from Matt Bites and Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen and when I wrote them emails to reintroduce myself and tell them I enjoyed meeting them, both responded quickly, pleasantly and enthusiastically. A month later I visited with Kalyn, Lydia, Sarah and Cora (real writers! important bloggers!) at a Boston blogging conference. I continued making friends on the internet, which seemed to me to be the least likely of places, but somehow it happened.
In July of the next year I came to Chicago for another blogging conference and I didn’t want to leave. I felt like I should be living there now and it was six months before I turned that into a reality. What I am getting, I think, is that I really like my life in Chicago: I have the kind of friends that invite you to Thanksgiving dinner before they even know what your plans are and the kind of friends who offer up their living rooms when you don’t know if you’ll be able to pay your rent next month. I have a favorite farmer’s market, I know what the channels on my television are and I hardly ever have to text Angie when I’ve gotten myself lost on the public transit system (anymore). What I’m getting at, I think, is that I really like my life in Chicago and I feel like I might not be here if I hadn’t’ started blogging.
Last month, I was vague when I said that a project I had been working on for a long time didn’t work out and since most of you could probably guess this, I was working on a book proposal. It’s been my dream to become a published author for as long as I can remember (I wrote “novels” on my dad’s computer when I was twelve and in fourth grade, my neighbor and I wrote our own newspaper that we sold to our parents every week for $1.00. I repeat: who wouldn’t want to party with me? Writing is what I love to do and to have a tangible, finished product of my work to hold in my hands would be immensely rewarding.
Needless to say, the day after I lost my job in August I found out that my book proposal wasn’t accepted by any of the publishers that had been pitched (double whammy!), for a variety of reasons, none of which, thankfully, were “her writing sucks.” This book proposal wasn’t accepted but maybe the next one will be. Though I can’t imagine writing another behemoth proposal and having it turned down, yet again, I know I will because I have to. And in the meantime I am going to do what a very wise person told me to do, get better at my craft.
For the longest time I thought that my blog was going to lead me to my dream: a book. Now I know that my blog has already led me somewhere really important: where I am right now. And now it’s up to me to figure out how to get that dream.
While I work on that, I’m also going to work on making this space more me. More about my life, more about what I am doing on a daily basis, more about what makes me interesting and what makes my story my own. This blog is no longer going to be a road to anything in particular for me, but rather a chronicle of what that journey looks like.
Before I get any more existential, let’s eat donuts.
Special thanks to those of you who have emailed/reached out during my little blogging hiatus. It means more to me than you know.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Makes 12 donuts
Recipe adapted from CulinaryCory.com
What You Need:
For the cinnamon glaze:
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the donuts:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and spray a donut pan with cooking spray (you can use a muffin tin if you don’t have a donut pan).
Make the glaze: Mix all ingredients until the glaze is smooth, creamy and pours easily from a spoon. You may need to add additional milk or powder sugar to get the right consistency.
Make the donuts: In a small bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nutmeg and cinnamon. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer) cream brown sugar, canned pumpkin, eggs, milk, butter and vanilla extract until the butter is well incorporated. With your mixer on medium low speed, add the dry sifted ingredients to the wet mixture, slowly, mixing until just barely combined.
Fill each donut mold halfway with the pumpkin batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 6 – 8 minutes, or until the exterior springs back when touched. Allow to cool completely and top each donut with cinnamon glaze.
Print This Recipe
{ 81 comments… read them below or add one }
Love your honesty Maris! Sorry to hear your first proposal didn’t work out, but it seems like you have a great attitude now, and no doubt one day you will publish a book! So great to have such supportive friends, and a life you love too (and yummy pumpkin doughnuts
mmmm.
i had sweet potato doughnuts (kind of like doughnut holes) today. these sound equally tasty!
Maris, welcome back and we missed you. I’m sorry to hear about the book proposal. But don’t give up. I know one day I’ll see your book in the store.
I can’t wait to see the new change you are going to make in your blog – more about your life. It’ll be fun to read. Cheer up and we’ll be always here to support you! These pumpkin donuts are amazingly delicious. I haven’t had donuts for a long time. 
Craving for them badly!
It’s good to see that you’re blogging again and I really look forward to seeing what the future holds for you – I’m pretty sure it’s going to be something amazing.
Yay Maris, I’ve missed your posts. I can imagine how demoralizing it must have been to have been turned down by publishers ( I get into a funk when Tastespotting turns me down!) but I’m sure you know of the countless stories of successful authors who were turned down over and over again before someone recognized their talent. Keep at it.
Meanwhile, thanks for posting these doughnuts, I love pumpkin doughnuts but I’m deathly afraid of deep frying
sorry to hear about the bad news but it will only make your story that much more inspiring at your first book signing
Glad to see the glass is looking more half-full, at least from the sounds of this post. Sorry to hear about your book proposal–they’re crazy for not snatching that up! Glad you’re loving Chicago and have found a place that is “home.” Always a nice feeling
yum! I dont have a donut pan but I need one, asap!
I’m sorry to hear about that :/ but you know looking back on this in a few years, just how you looked back on starting a blog and moving to Chicago, it will all make perfect sense and fit into place somehow. Keep plugging away at your dreams!!
Maris, I’ve been going thru withdrawal without your posts!!! And when your book finally does get published. . .notice I said when not if. . .I will be first in line to buy it! The donuts look amazing!
Hooray welcome back! Looking forward to more personal posts. Always be able to make fun of yourself and it will keep you grounded and lighter in spirit.
happy to see you back, maris – i missed you! thanks for letting us in on a glimpse of your real life. sorry the book proposal didn’t work out, but i know that you’re headed for awesome things anyway. + let me make one thing abundantly clear: i’d love to party with you any day!
Your are most definitely a talented writer. There are not many blogs that I will actually read… to be honest I tend to scroll down to the recipes. I get drawn into your posts as I do on the Diets In Review blog. Keep doing what your doing. As for your donuts…. I need to get a donut pan. I want to make donuts but I don’t want the calories that go along with frying! (Though who doesn’t love a fried donut?!?!)
Maris, so glad you’ve pulled yourself up and dusted yourself off… I really admire you and your blog. I like your idea for the new direction of your blog. I for one, will enjoy getting to know more about you. Your future is bright… put on your sunglasses! I’m looking forward to reading more from you… and hopefully reading your book someday!
Maris – you are on the right track, speaking as someone who worked for more years than I’d like to admit to get published. And, even then, it’s still very hard work. I do credit blogging with helping me refine my style every week. Looking forward to learning more about your life in Chicago. I’m sure you’ll uncover fascinating things worth writing about!
good for you, just keep on going. I have also had book proposals turned down (children’s stories and food books) and it really really hurts doesn’t it, but I am sure things happen for a reason and you are so right to focus on where you are right now ….Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain (I’ve got that poster on the wall in my kitchen!!) can’t wait to read your posts, I always really look forward to them.
Wow- blogging really has had an AWESOME impact on your life- love it. Bummer about the book deal…And these donuts? Amazing. I don’t like super sugary donuts at all- these look just right
Good for you, Maris! Reading this gets me inspired and you WILL get there. Just know you have a lot of people here reading and supporting you. Keep it up!
God, losing your job and getting turned down for the proposal mush have been shitty. Really really shitty.
I bet it was really hard to dust yourself off and give the proposal another try. But I’m so glad that you have. I will be first in line when you get that book deal. And I say when because I know it will happen for you
Sorry to hear about the book proposal, maybe first ones often are not accepted, your other books will be.
I think you’ve come to an awesome decision…and it sounds comfortable, so that totally rocks (see…I wanna party with you
). That said…YUM on these doughnuts, totally fall and they sound delicious. I strive to be a published author one day, as well…but haven’t even worked myself up to the proposal stage. I think just doing what you’re doing will lead to your goals one day. 
Glad you’re “back”!
I don’t know if I could ever make it as a writer because I don’t take rejection very well. I applaud you for being resilient and continuing to do what you love! Your doughnuts look fantastic – I could go for one right now!!
I will read anything you put up here, even if it’s a drunken rambling about Grey’s Anatomy. To quote my 2005 facebook timeline…”I LOVE YOU!” You make Chicago great for me too and I can’t imagine living here without you!
I’m so glad you’re back, Maris! I’d been thinking about you. So sorry the book didn’t work our *yet.* You never know in life where you’ll end up and I think you have the right attitude about chronicling the journey. Can’t wait to see what that means for your blog.
And on another note, those donuts look fabulous!!
Thanks for sharing this story with us. You are an inspiration! It is also my dream to become a published author and I admire you for going for it
It’s good to see you back in my Google Reader.
I’m with Courtney, above–maybe the book thing hasn’t worked out *yet*, but I know there are awesome things on the horizon for you. Maybe the path’s just a little more circuitous (isn’t it always the way? Sigh). I’m looking forward to reading your chronicles ahead!
excited to keep reading as your blog takes a new direction! it’ll be great!
ps. i NEED to make these. my donut pan sits unused
I’m glad you’re back in the blogosphere, full-force. I missed reading your blog while you were gone. Cheers to new inspiration!
I’m glad you’ve been able to find a positive side to some pretty bad life events. I’m excited to learn more about you in future posts and I hope the new direction of the blog will help you discover new dreams.
I was just wondering if you were going to still keep writing. I’m glad to hear your back and excited to read all more!
It seems you’re back with a bang after your short hiatus. And I’m glad. Although I’m not aregular ommenter, I am a regular reader and you were missed. Keep owrking on that dream and I know one day I’ll be back here congratuating you on that book deal.
Maris- So many things. Where do I start? I missed you and your blog so I’m glad you’re back to writing and making it more personal this time around. I think you’ll be able to find a strong balance of writing for yourself and having it appeal to so many people. I’m looking forward to your new perspective and inspiration.
Also, I’m sorry to hear about the obstacles you’ve come across recently, but I absolutely adore your approach to moving on and making the most of things. I hope you won’t stop being a go-getting and taking risks. I think that’s great and you’ve definitely inspired me.
Let’s catch up. I’d love to hear more.
xo
ps. the quote about blog counts like bathing suit size…genius!
i always say that sharing your blog stats is like sharing how much money you have in your checking account, aka tacky.
right on lady, right on.
oh, and welcome back
We all blog for different reasons but the bottom line is that if we are passionate and enjoy what we are doing we will realize our goals whether it be to engage our family and friends or to create our own star in the universe. Your passion shines through with every post Maris…as for the doughnuts..they are baked. I’m in!!!
I am very happy to read this. Good luck on your new direction. I look forward to reading!
Maris, these look awesome! I tend to shy away from typical donut making antics at home, because, well, when you live alone it’s just not a good idea to surround yourself with a gang of glazed. I enjoyed reading about how you got to where you are … and sad that I missed you at the Boston conference when you were here. (I don’t think I had caught the blogging craze just yet.) Either way, glad to see your post!
Unlike barefoot pregnant &in the kitchen, I very rarely read blogs for the recipes. It’s the writing that draws me in, and the writing that keeps me coming back. A cleverly-written blog post means so much more to me than an exotic ingredient or easy recipe or tip about kitchen tools. The increased amount of you in this blog before your hiatus, and now after, is a big change, I agree. But clearly, everyone is loving it.
I understand the pressures of failure with writing, but am encouraged by your terrific outlook on your future with it. I suppose it took awhile to get to that point, but you made it. That’s an attitude I can afford to adopt:)
I’d party wit you and your meatloaf!
Welcome back Maris, we’ve really missed you! I’m sure taking a little break helped though. I have faith that next time around will be better. I just know it. You’ve got the determination and skill to make it work.
These pumpkin doughnuts sound great, by the way. My roommate would love me if I made them for her. xx
Awesome. Good for you!
And these donuts look good too! I think I am going to have to invest in a donut pan.
Your blog has come a long way since we met in Boston so many years ago! And I have no doubt that it will just continue to grow and grow. xoxo
Way to remain positive Maris! I’m inspired by your enthusiasm to keep truckin’. I too am unemployed (by choice b/c I hated my job and wanted to travel) but I’m going to stick it out and work hard for something amazing. Best of luck and keep on makin delicious food!
Glad to hear you dusted yourself off, though knowing you and your tenacity, I had no doubt you would. I’m sure you’ve already heard the tale about The Help (if by any chance you haven’t, that woman was rejected SO many times) so chalk it up to the fact that it probably has more to do with marketability than talent and that the next opportunity will come.
I’m sad to be missing your adventure this weekend (I have so many boxes to unpack this weekend it is sick), but really looking to the Chicago blogger wine & cheese thingie. Should be so fun!
welcome back maris! and like everyone has said you have so much potential and i just adore the honesty in this post. i’ll definitely be in line to buy your book whenever that happens
also. pumpkin doughnuts? you make my whole “eat healthy” plan so much harder, haha.
You rock, seriously. Morph your blog into whatever you want it to be and I will read it.
As someone just starting out on the blogging scene I really love reading stories of blogger “success”, however we define that. I’m learing that to go somewhere amazing with my writing/cooking I have to be open and honest, just as you’ve been here.
So glad we don’t have to share our bathing suits sizes, he he.
So glad you’ve found the road you need to be on. I know I will read your book one day, I subscribe to the theory, “If one door shuts, another opens”. It will happen for you, I’m sure of that.
515 that’s a marathon, so obviously you are in it for the long-haul.
Can’t wait to see what’s next.
-Gina-
Hi Maris, I’m so sorry to read that your book proposal didn’t fly. Keep at it, you’re a great writer and I KNOW your dream will become reality!!! And when that happens, I’ll be right there buying my own copy and will be very proud to say “I KNEW this day would come”!
Hang in there. Hugs across the miles.
Happy to see you are back! Missed reading your blog and your recipes! Keep up with your writing goals. Your hard and creative work will pay off in the future, I am sure.
See, you’ve already got more gumption than a lot of would-be writers who don’t even start because they’re too scared of being rejected. You’re putting it out there. You’re keeping on trying. It’s bound to pay off eventually, because like you said, they weren’t rejecting you because you sucked. With talent and determination, you can’t fail.
babe, i feel you about the rejection, which is 95% of my job. i can’t promise it gets easier, but i can say that just doing what you’re doing (keep on keeping on) without waiting for others to give you permission to do what you love is what it’s all about.
It’ll all work out, Maris! I know it sounds cliche, but it will. In the meantime, I’d love to be sharing these donuts with you right now with some coffee
OMG – I want! These sound incredible. Now, where do I get a donut pan?
Such an inspiring post, glad you’re back
yay for pumpkin donuts! fall is in the air and welcome back!
Thank you for being so honest. The donuts look tasty!
If you asked me a few weeks ago what I thought of baked pumpkin donuts I would have probably shrugged and said I don’t know… But I have recently made a (vegan) batch using my brand spanking new baked donut press thingy and I’m in love. Made 2 more batches since – even the kids love them, even though one of them HATES pumpkin!
PS Hope your dreams come true
Girl, if only you knew how many times my mom was turned down on her proposals over the years before she finally got her foot in the door. Once you get your foot in though you are good to go. She has been with Penguin for 4 years now. I am only saying this because I have personally watched the emotional toll it takes on you when you put your heart and soul into something to have it not be liked or accepted but just keep trying. Keep writing and doing what you love and it WILL be accepted. They WILL love it. In the meantime, you are one heck of a food blogger and I absolutely love your recipes so keep them coming!
Glad you are back to blogging. I’m sorry you’ve suffered some setbacks lately, but you have the right outtlook moving forward. I think it is great that you have come to the realization that blogging has brought you to where you are in life personally, and I’m excited that you are going to share more about you and your journey through your blog.
Welcome back and good luck with everything, we’re all rooting for you!
These look great by the way, love everything pumpkin.
This sounds great, Maris, like a true transformation. I can’t wait to hear your new found voice. You have a great community to support you here!
Keep your chin up, girl. You’re amazing and wonderful and doing everything right. Thanks for making this little novice food blogger feel special with your regular comments, kind words, links, and every amazing recipe I get to see here. You rock
For the record, St Patty’s Day in Hoboken is INSANE.
I too started my blog when I was at a lonely, bored time in my life. And I too was amazed at how it lead me to meet so many friends. (Including you!) I wish you luck on your continued journey!
Those donuts looks delicious! And I’m so glad I met you in the blogging world!
I wondered where you’d gone! I think we all go through quiet periods in this life we call blogging, but it always draws you back in. Mainly the positivity you get from people you’ve never met and are never likely too, it’s huimbling and totally addictive. Pumpkin doughnuts sound gorgeous, welcome back and the book will come…
Maris, I missed you! Glad to see you’re back at it. And thanks for sharing this pumpkin donut recipe. I love everything pumpkin especially now.
Maris, you have wisdom and insight beyond your years. There is a book in your future and so many other wonderful experiences along the way. I look forward to sharing your journey and I’m always here to cheer you on.
Cora
Glad you are back, and as I told you, I know great things are coming your way. When one door closes, another better one always opens. Remember that!
Those donuts look amazing. I’m terrible in the kitchen but think I can pull this recipe off without burning the house down…..
xo
Sarah
Get Up & Go
For a little while now I’ve been thinking about making a pastry that I could dip, and it just so happens that I have a couple cans of pumpkin in the cupboard. Maybe I could use your recipe as a starting place!
And I feel you on your frustrations as a writer. It’s a painful passion, but one that can define you. Keep at it — it’ll pay off!
Oh, how I’ve missed you, Maris!!!!!!!
Well that just plain old sucks!! S-U-C-K-S!! I’m sorry!! I so want to give you a HUGE hug to help you feel all better!
Hang in there, girl. I know this probably isn’t what you want to hear,… it just isn’t your time YET. But it will be, I’m sure of it. The time that you’ve been given now to “get better at your craft” is a gift and you’re able to see that that’s what you need to do and improve not only your cooking, baking, posting, and writing, but you as a person. Maris is going to come out on the other side of this all the more stronger (my high school English teacher is hating me right now) because of it and you’re going to create even more incredible food, more fantastic posts and a truly marvelous book!!! I believe in you! Keep believing in yourself and it’s bound to happen! Imagine how much sweeter that acceptance will be after going through this rejection!!
Ok, I’m done. I sound like a cheerleading mother which is probably a little much.
Love you, girl!! BIG, BIG baking hugs!!!!!!
My husband and I were talking about making baked donuts! These look like a wonderful recipe to explore this fall!
Do you know how many times J.K. Rowling got turned down? OK, I don’t have the number but it was a lot. I think you’ll get your contract. I’m glad you’re loving Chicago. You have a great blog!
Well I hope you’re not giving up on it! Have your heard the story behind the author of The Help? If you haven’t then please Google it and read it. It’s inspiring. I’m glad you found your way back to blogging – you have a real passion for it. Your pumpkin donuts are simply divine – pass one this way, please.
Maris, I am so glad that you are back! And with a delish pumpkin doughnut recipe at that. I’m so glad that you are in the blogging community and even though this book deal might not have worked out I know that the next one will. You are such a talented writer and I love reading your blog!
Chicago is a wonderful place to live (and for me, visit). I love it. I’m glad you haven’t given up your dreams because rarely to they come true right away. It takes perseverance and tenacity. Good luck to you!
In the meanwhile, these are some awesome donuts!
I finally found a donut pan, so now I can make these–yum!
And don’t give up on your dream of writing a book!
Love this! I am such a pumpkin fan and baking the doughnuts seems at least like an attempt to make them less fattening. Yay. Anyhow, you seem ahead of the game on finding yourself if you ask me. I am still trying to figure out where to put my love for baking and writing while raising two teenagers and trying to afford life. I will buy your book for whatever that’s worth.
What a heartfelt post and a great recipe to match. Glad you are finding inspiration!
Welcome back Maris
Thank you for writing this post. I am personally at a crossroads in my life and I really needed to read what you wrote. Sometimes we get too caught up on achieving our goals that we forget that it is really all about the journey rather than the destination.
looking forward to all the changes you’ll be making and to getting to know a little more about you
Congratulations on being able to look at the bright side of things. I always think, if something we don’t want to happen, happens, then that means there is something better to come. I look forward to reading whatever you want to write and making more of your recipes. Best of luck to you!
Down and Our…Eat Donuts!
Dreams come true! Don’t give up, and in the mean time we are here “hanging out” with you!
{ 2 trackbacks }