Because sometimes, you just gotta have one

Despite the fact that Krispy Kreme franchises have been closing down faster than you can say "original glazed," I still argue that their doughnuts are better than the number number one baked goods chain in the world, Dunkin' Donuts. Very few of you will disagree, I'm sure. Unfortunately, Krispy Kreme has fallen victim to the sluggish economy--a result of opening too many stores too quickly. In just over the last year, both the Owings Mills and Columbia locations closed their doors permanently. I now see that all Baltimore-area locations have closed down. This leaves us with Royal Farms and Harris Teeter stores to satiate our sugar cravings. Both stores carry limited varieties of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

I admit, a doughnut is somewhat of a taboo to me. As someone who has struggled with weight issues for most of my life, I was constantly told, "You shouldn't eat that." Krispy Kreme doughnuts of course, fell into the "you shouldn't eat that" category.

I had heard of the Kripsy Kreme phenomenon about ten years back and was always jealous of those who described in depth, their love affair with the hot, sweet-filled cakes. It was a joyous occasion for me then, when my grandmother introduced me to my first Krispy Kreme doughnut in 2002. It was apple filled. If you haven't tried one, you will not understand the heightened sense of excitement that a bite of a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut fills you with. It is an unexplainable, cheek-flushing, sugary rush. I understood then, that something like this should only be consumed but once or twice a year. If you do the math, Krispy Kreme consumption twice a year per Krispy Kreme consumer--well, you understand where I'm going with this. No person in their right mind is going to eat Krispy Kreme doughnuts daily--it is akin to gluttony. No wonder Krispy Kreme franchises are dropping like flies.

We are now faced with this grim news; if you want a hot Krispy Kreme, you'll have to travel all the way to Rockville to get one. ( If you walk there, you might burn off the calories in a single doughnut.) There's good reason to go too. Remember how I said that artificial banana flavor was the worst thing I've ever tasted? I lied. So, I'm semi-hypocritical. There is one exception to the rule: banana pudding. Today, Krispy Kreme is introducing their new Banana Pudding and Banana Cake doughnuts. As with most specialty doughnuts, the banana flavored doughnuts are available for a limited time, through April 18th. If you're lucky enough to have an open and running Krispy Kreme location nearby, I suggest you go and get one while they're hot.