In Illinois Paczki Day is Spreading Polish Deliciousness

Only being introduced to this special treat a few years ago I need to do my part to get the word out further. Paczki day is for everyone, not just the Polish.

Traditionally on Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday there are traditional food consumed. You’ve probably participated in this either annually or at one time or another depending on who you were around. Fat Tuesday/Shrove Tuesday is a big day for pancakes in many places, but different areas dig into different things.

In the south (Louisiana) you may eat king cake, hush puppies, jambalaya, beignets, etc. many celebrate with these foods up and down the Mississippi river. In areas of the United States where Polish immigrants settled Paczki is made and enjoyed on Fat Tuesday. This year Fat Tuesday in March 4^th.

In a state like Illinois that celebrates Casimir Pulaski day (March 3) it should surprise no one that Paczki is also a go to. Paczki is a Polish pastry that looks like a jelly doughnut – but isn’t. Paczki dough is chewier and somehow more delicate than doughnuts, and the fruit filling isn’t as sweet as a jelly doughnut. They are also traditionally smaller than your regular jelly doughnut.

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Paczki is not pronounced like it looks. Remember it’s Polish. So, it’s not “Pack-Ski”. It should be pronounced “Punch-key”. In the Chicagoland area of Illinois you should be find paczki easily. Further south you may need to ask at the bakery of a grocery store. Or, you could make your own…!!

Once you experience Paczki you’ll want more. They can be addictive. Which means you’ll want to celebrate every Fat Tuesday with Paczki…Smacznego!