If you have Polish heritage or you simply grew up here, you know exactly what paczki are. But for those who don't, paczki are Polish donuts traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday. They are deep-fried and can be filled with a variety of jams, creams and sweet fillings, then covered in powdered sugar or icing. These delicious delicacies are a must-try in The Bend, and here's where to find them!

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Why do we eat paczki on Fat Tuesday?

The tradition is said to be created in the Middle Ages. Because Lent is 40 days of sacrifice in preparation for Easter, paczki were created to use up items in the kitchen that you wouldn't be able to eat during fasting. In the United States this is celebrated on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins, when people indulge on things they will give up. In Poland, paczki were purchased the most on "Fat Thursday," the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Modern recipes for paczki have evolved to include fillings and powdered sugar or icing.

PRONUNCIATION: puhnch-kee

Baker's Dozen Bakeshop

This authenic Polish bakery has been an establisment on the west side of South Bend since 1988. A local favorite, Baker's Dozen serves paczki and other Polish pastries such as babki breads, kifli, pierogi and plenty more year-round based on old country Polish recipes. They are only open Thursdays and Fridays from 6:30 am-4 pm, but you can also find them Thursdays and Saturdays at the South Bend Farmer's Market. They are also open on Fat Tuesday for "Paczki Day."

Macri's Italian Bakery

Macri's may be an Italian bakery, but one time a year they offer the delicious traditional Polish treat. In the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday you can pick up any variety of paczki, and you can also order ahead. They have an extensive filling list, to include fresh strawberries and cream, chocolate mousse, cream cheese, vanilla custard, raspberry, cherry, lemon, blueberry, apricot, prune and apple.

Martin's Supermarkets

You can find the popular Polish treat in Martin's Supermarket bakeries across the city, and they get selling early! You can find them in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday.

West End Bakery

West End Bakery offers paczki for Fat Tuesday, but do offer it's German counterpart, bismarcks, beyond the one day. They have paczki filling options such as white creme, strawberry creme, bavarian creme, raspberry jelly, plum, lemon, cinnamon sugar and plain. 

 

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5 Facts About Paczki

  1. Paczki is the plural form of the word. The singular form is paczek.

  2. Paczki have roots dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, they were filled with pork and lard.

  3. The traditional paczki filling is callwed powidla. This is also known as stewed plum jam, and mixed with wild rosehip jam.

  4. They were born from forbidden foods. Lard, sugar, eggs and fruit were all forbidden during Catholic Lenten fasting--all main ingredients for paczki

  5. Alcohol is used in the recipe. It was traditionally Spiritus that was added to the dough before cooking to prevent oil from being absorbed into the dough.

Credit: National Today