Key Lime Donuts

Summer of Whimsy: A Coastal Tale & Your Next Dreamy Escape

There’s something magical about stories that capture the essence of summer—the salt-kissed air, the hum of cicadas, and the way the ocean seems to hold secrets just beneath its waves. This season, I found myself spellbound by Beatriz Williams’ A Hundred Summers, a novel that sweeps readers into the opulent, sun-drenched world of 1930s New England. Its blend of glittering social intrigue, simmering romance, and the ever-present rhythm of the tides reminded me why coastal settings feel so alive in fiction.

Williams’ tale of love, betrayal, and resilience unfolds against a backdrop of beachside parties and hurricane warnings, where the sea is both a sanctuary and a force of reckoning. The novel’s lush descriptions of seaside cottages, whispered secrets over cocktails, and the ache of past mistakes lingering like a summer storm left me yearning for stories that blend escapism with emotional depth.

If you’re craving a read that evokes barefoot walks on warm sand and the thrill of unexpected connections, here are a few coastal gems to dive into:

• Kristy Woodson Harvey’s A Happier Life (Beaufort, NC): A dual-timeline story of family mysteries and fresh starts, where the scent of saltwater and southern charm lingers on every page.

• Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Untamed Shore (Baja California): A moody, atmospheric mystery where the stark beauty of the coastline mirrors the protagonist’s journey into danger and self-discovery.

• John Banville’s The Sea: A Booker Prize winner that paints a haunting portrait of memory and loss, set in a seaside village where the past crashes in like the tide.

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Question of the Day: What’s your favorite summer flavor—in books or life? Share the stories (or recipes!) that transport you to sun-soaked shores!

P.S. Need more coastal vibes? Let me know your go-to beach read—I’m always adding to my stack!

Key Lime Donuts

For the Key Lime Donuts:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¾ teaspoon salt

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lime zest

¼ cup buttermilk, room temp

1 large egg, room temp

3 tablespoons fresh key lime juice

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Key Lime Glaze:

1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar

2 tablespoons key lime juice

Green & yellow food coloring

Garnish: graham cracker crumbs, lime zest

For the Key Lime Coconut Donuts:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously grease a donut pan; set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

3. In a large bowl combine, sugar and lime zest until zest is evenly distributed in the sugar. Add in buttermilk, egg, lime juice, and oil and whisk.

4. Add in the dry ingredients and gently fold the mixture together using a rubber spatula, stirring only until mixture is evenly combined.

5. Divide the thick batter evenly among the molds of your prepared pan, filling each mold 2/3 full. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden on the tops.

6. Remove pan from oven and allow donuts to cool for at least 10 minutes in the tray before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine juice and sugar, and whisk to combine. If the glaze appears too thick, add a little more lime juice until desired consistency is achieved; if glaze appears too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.

8. Dip cooled donuts in the glaze. Garnish with graham cracker crumbs and lime zest. Let rest for 5 minutes, then enjoy!