Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Fat Tuesday

I couldn't let today go by without mention of this holiday dedicated to gluttony and the worship of food. Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day...for as many names it has there are an equal amount of food traditions. In some countries they eat pancakes and have pancake races. Other countries eat split pea and ham soup and go sledding. Here in this country, I believe savory dumplings are the delicacy of choice. My favorite tradition though, happens to be doughnuts; paczki(paunch-key) to be exact. In Poland , if you don't eat at least one of these jelly- filled doughnuts on this day, things are not going to bode so well for you in life. I think the idea is to eat as many as you can. What a great holiday, no? I think I was only able to down three in one sitting. I heard tale of a certain sister missionary downing 12 at one time. I don't know if that is really true, but it's a good story. Whatever the case may be, it's a good day to stuff yourself silly.

9 comments:

Mumsy said...

I'm totally on board with Fat Tuesday. I've already been thinking about what to bake today. Because the chocolate cake wasn't enough...

Have you ever made those ruby red grapefruit cookies off of Martha?

love.boxes said...

When you hear of a good tradition, you must go with it! Pauchkey sound great right about now!!!

Jenni said...

Lindsey, I haven't made those yet, but have always wanted to, they call to me because I always have a bunch of grapefruit in the house. Very intriguing recipe.

Shauna said...

Have you heard of Beignets (Bin-yeas) from Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter of New Orleans? They are French Doughnuts- no hole. I saw them on the Travel Channel and wanted to hop a plane to New Orleans that minute--- well--- guess what??? I found the Cafe Du Monde Beignet Mix at Fresh Market!!! I have been thinking about them all week. While they are hot, you sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar. The locals say you cannot leave New Orleans without some Powdered Sugar on you!!! I think I will get the oil hot and go to work!!!!

Jenni said...

I love beignets, i'll have to look for that mix up here. We don't have Fresh Market, but I have heard of them.

Denise said...

Well Mo will be happy to know that you found the donuts. I wish I could bake right now, but by the time whatever I made is done, I can't eat it. In a few weeks I'm planning to go back and read all your good recipes and have a heyday. Until then, I will keep being sad that you live too far away and Lindsey doesn't share her goodies with me...

Shauna said...

I'll get the mix for you.... we made them last night.... yummmmm... now I know why it is FAT Tuesday!!!

B-Blogit said...

What a great tradition donuts! I love jelly filled donuts. It is kind of fun to learn about traditions of different areas and cultures. You get to do a lot of that on a mission!

Lisa Rene said...

I think every Tuesday in Poland was Fat Tuesday, or at least Paczki Tuesday & Wednesday & Thursday......