When I was a child, my uncle informed me that everyone has a dessert pocket in their stomach. This is, of course, the reason why no matter how much food you eat for dinner, there is always room for dessert. He also said that because I am Canadian I have an additional doughnut pocket, just for doughnuts. And while my trips to Tim Hortons are less frequent these days, I still have a profound love for, and exquisite taste in, doughnuts. So while I reside on this side of the border I have to get my doughnut fill somehow. The following is a comprehensive list of exquisite doughnuts that will satisfy the doughnut pocket in my stomach:

Amish Crack

While it’s really just a cinnamon caramel doughnut from Rise ‘n Roll, this doughnut has made the list for the way it melts in your mouth, and gets all over your clothes, bringing out true childhood joy from its chamber inside your boring depressed adult heart.

Doughnuts from Der Dutchman in Holmes County, Ohio

I promise I’m not getting paid to say this, but these doughnuts do not miss. They are best eaten with a group of friends over several days, each time cutting a little bit off one of the many varieties of doughnuts in the box. (Honorary mention to their whoopie pies.)

Strites Donuts in Harrisonburg, Virginia 

What makes these doughnuts special is their exclusivity. They are only available on Tuesday and Saturdays, and if you don’t get them fresh don’t even bother. These make it on the list because it’s clear they are made with TLC which is honestly the most important ingredient in any baked good. And their local competition is Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ which are greatly disappointing in comparison.

My father’s homemade doughnuts

My father is a fantastic cook all around so it’s no surprise his doughnuts are also incredible. These doughnuts have more TLC than the rest. They are best eaten right off the wooden kebab stick balancing between two cups that the doughnut is hung on to allow the frosting to dry. While there is no particular order to this list, this option is most definitely number one.