Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Happy Paczki Day!



Today, the Tuesday before Lent, is celebrated by those of Polish heritage as Paczki day. These are wonderful dense doughnuts filled with good thick homemade preserves. The word translates to "packet" and is pronounced "punch-key". You'll find faxcimiles at your local grocery store, but they pale in comparison.

If you want the authentic taste you will have to make them yourself, adopt a Polish grandmother, or search out a Polish bakery, arrive early and stand in a long line with the Babusha's to wait your turn at the counter.

The preserves are centered in the middle of the doughnut halves before frying. The authentic Warsaw variety of these delicious treats are made with egg yolks, butter, whipping cream and a little brandy along with the usual salt, sugar, yeast, flour and water. They are hefty and about half as sweet as store-bought.


Covered with a sweet glaze



And properly served on a pretty polish pottery plate.

M-m-m-m-m-m Find some!

4 comments:

Rudee said...

I live near Hamtramck where the very best Paczki are produced. Sad...I'm on a diet.

Claudia said...

Rudee: once a year, I forego the diet in favor of Paczki - resistance is futile . . .

Helen said...

While I'm gorging on pancakes, I will think of you gorging on Paczki.

Debby said...

I think that it is a sin not to have a paczki.