It’s Fat Tuesday, and that means we must devour at least one pączki. For those who haven’t experienced this decadent treat, I will try to explain.

First, the pronunciation –

You should be saying “paczki” like “pownch-key,” which is how the word is pronounced in its native Poland. – Block Club Chicago

History & Description –

If you live outside the Midwest (or other parts of the country with large Polish-American populations), paczki might be a new phenomenon to you—and you’re in for a real treat!

Paczki are traditional Fat Tuesday snacks that originated in Poland. This donut was originally developed hundreds of years ago to use up all the rich ingredients that were considered off-limits during the fasting period of Lent, ingredients like butter, sugar, lard and milk.

Today, paczki are still traditional Fat Tuesday fare. You’ll find them filled with jellies and creams and dusted in sugar. Essentially they are filled doughnut, but a special, once-per-year kind of doughnut. – Taste of Home

Throughout the 20th century, paczki started getting associated with Tuesday in America due to Mardi Gras, Bielinski said. In Poland on the Tuesday before lent, families celebrate with herring and vodka. In Chicago, Bielinski’s Polish customers love to “double dip” and eat paczki on Fat Thursday and Fat Tuesday. WGN TV

AND THEN….

We had breakfast for dinner with some dear friends.

Shrove Tuesday is a Christian observance, where people prepare for Lent by eating pancakes and sweets and partaking in carnivals such as Mardi Gras. – National World

How did you celebrate?