The Best Places for Paczki in South Bend
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!
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
Jack's Donuts
One of The Bend's favorite donut spots, Jack Donuts, rolls out paczki for Fat Tuesday. You can assuredly also purchase your Mardi Gras themed pastries while you're there!
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.
Over The Top Bakery Cafe
If you want something a bit more outside of traditional paczki (though they have those too) check out Over The Top Bakery Cafe for an over-the-top treat. You will find paczki topped and filled with cookies and cream, tiramisu, almond joy, hot chocolate and so many others. Some are only daily specials so be sure to check their facebook page to see what they're serving up.
Rise'n Roll
Rise'n Roll certainly does donuts well, and paczki are no exception. Theirs weigh 3x as much as their average donut, filled with fruit or cream and covered in powdered sugar. The fillings to choose from include bavarian creme, apple, lemon, strawberry, blueberry, cherry and prune. They are only available a limited time.
SchoolHouse Diner
This is SchoolHouse Diner's first season offering paczki. Enjoy these homemade treats in an "old school" diner, literally in an old school. Add on a freak shake to really take it up a notch!
RELATED CONTENT: Around The Bend: SchoolHouse Diner
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.
RELATED CONTENT: Bakeries & Sweets
5 Facts About Paczki
- Paczki is the plural form of the word. The singular form is paczek.
- Paczki have roots dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, they were filled with pork and lard.
- The traditional paczki filling is called powidla. This is also known as stewed plum jam, and mixed with wild rosehip jam.
- They were born from forbidden foods. Lard, sugar, eggs and fruit were all forbidden during Catholic Lenten fasting--all main ingredients for paczki.
- 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
You May Also Like
Related
