Time to Make the Coffee

To many people across the country, that Target is now carrying Dunkin' Donuts brand coffee is no bog deal, but to many Californians and me, these ground roasts are our only taste of the legendary doughnut chain. Yes, you can find any ethnic food available in the world right here in Orange or Los Angeles counties, but you cannot find a Dunkin' Donuts. (They were a rare commodity in Arizona as I was growing up there, too, but a recent affiliation with Baskin Robbins has fostered half-doughnut/half-ice cream shops across the Valley.) I know I'm not the only one jonesing for a Dunkin', since the Hollywood Target at which we purchased our first Dunkin' Donuts coffee was sold out of every blend except decaf and hazelnut, the latter of which I prefer, anyway. While the average instant pot of coffee often tastes the same to me, and the Dunkin' grounds are no exception (two hasty pots into the bag, at least), just seeing that familiar pink and orange logo assures me even more than the daily inaugural morning cup of coffee usually does. I can picture where this coffee came from. I can see that little mustached man grinding the beans for me -- just one more task on his pre-dawn to-do list. Just like I remembered, his work is right on target.

I defy anyone to find a better sweet treat than the chocolate Dunkin' Donut hole.