Fat Tuesday is the unofficial start to the Lenten season. It falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. Ash Wednesday starts the fasting season as part of Christian practices. Fasting has changed quite a bit over the years. It’s significantly less strict than even when I was little. Now, we generally fast on Ash Wednesday, and Fridays. But, originally, Paczki’s came to exist in Poland because the delicious fruits and other decadent delights wouldn’t last the 40 days until Easter, so it was better to fix them up and eat them. Originally, lard, eggs, fruit and sugar were all forbidden to be consumed during Lent! It is a regional holiday so some celebrate it on Fat Thursday, some celebrate it on Fat Tuesday and others celebrate it on both Fat Tuesday and Fat Thursday. There are others that combine Paczki Day with Pancake Day and Marci Gras.
When I was growing up, I didn’t even know that Paczki’s existed. Since, I do have some Polish ancestors, I’m trying to encourage my children to learn more about our history and why things were done the way they were. We are very lucky to have 3 places to get them in the Clintonville, Shawano, Marion areas. If you know of another place, please let me know by e-mailing me (mariev@macaronikid.com) and I’ll get them added!
Here’s who has the Paczki’s locally and how to get your own!
Clintonville- Tadych’s EconoFoods - taking orders now and will have a limited supply on Tuesday for people who didn’t order ahead of time.
Shawano- Fannita’s Bakery - ready now if you can’t wait until Tuesday
Marion - DuPont Cheese Factory- Arrive early- they sell out fast and no pre-orders.
