In the southern United States, sweets fans have been scarfing down Krispy Kreme doughnuts for more than 50 years -- in many families, they're a weekly ritual! The rest of the country finally got a taste in the '90s, when Krispy Kreme launched new doughnut stores coast to coast, to much fanfare. The company's unique snacks have also crept into pop culture over the past few years, appearing in several TV shows and in dozens of national magazines.

Thanks! Special thanks to the Raleigh Krispy Kreme crew for helping us out with this article.

All this, as well as some grumbling stomachs, seemed like a good excuse to stop by our local Krispy Kreme for a peek behind the scenes. Join us now in a photo-tour to find out how raw ingredients are transformed into Krispy Kreme's signature doughnut, the "original glazed." You'll also learn about the glazing waterfall, the chocolate icer and much more!

A tray of Krispy Kreme's signature "original glazed"