The Lenten season begins Wednesday, but many local bakeries have been preparing for "Fat Tuesday,” March 4th, for over a week. The food tradition comes from the carnival celebration associated with Mardi Gras. A Polish donut called paczki (pronounced PAUNCH-KEE) is a popular indulgence before Lent. Alex Stodola from Stodola IGA in Luxemburg says the paczki tradition in the area has grown over the years.
Stodola adds that the jellied-filled pastries have created more excitement than ever in-store. Paczkis are made from dough containing eggs, fats, sugar, yeast, and milk, featuring fruit and cream fillings. Fat Tuesday always falls on the 47th day before Easter, which is April 20th this year.
