Viewfinder: Making Donuts at the Paint Creek Cider Mill

Ethan Williams, still under the impression that this was just another one of his mom's "stupid work assignments" he had to sit through, was less than enthusiastic when he walked through the doors of the Paint Creek Cider Mill Thursday morning.

"We're going to put you to work," restaurant owner John Shield told the 5-year-old Rochester Hills resident when Williams rounded the corner to the kitchen.

Williams immediately perked up. He rarely gets to do much when he goes along on stories with his mom, but this time was different.

He struck up a conversation with Shield, who dragged a wooden crate over for him to stand on while they started mixing dough, and the two were fast friends.

Over the next hour and a half, the pair – with occasional help from the photographer – mixed, fried, glazed and sprinkled 62 doughnuts in the cider mill kitchen. Then, after stocking the pastry case with their tasty creations, Williams proudly walked out of the cider mill with a half dozen donuts he helped to make.

Shield, who has owned the restaurant for about a year, re-opened the cider mill for the season in March and has already begun making the sweet, round treats for which the restaurant is known.

A revamped menu featuring wraps, salads and sandwiches has also helped draw in new patrons early in the year, and Shield is looking forward to a busy cider mill season this fall.

For more information about the Paint Creek Cider Mill, visit www.paintcreekcidermill.org