Happy Paczki Day!

I've had paczki on Fat Tuesday for as long as I can remember. Mom used to fry up a large batch each year, and we'd have them for dessert after dinner. In later years they rarely made it to the table, with five of us kids watching and hoping to get a few as soon as they were cool enough to eat. Keeping the tradition alive for my family does not include me sweating over a deep fryer. I go to the local grocery, and purchase an assortment for my family and my brother Greg's family that live here in town. They will never be as good as fresh from my Mom's kitchen, but then few things are.

I looked up Paczki Day and here's what it said...

Many Polish Americans celebrate Pączki Day on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Traditionally, the reason for making pączki was to use up all the lard, sugar, eggs and fruit in the house, because they were forbidden to be consumed due to Catholic fasting practices during Lent.

Growing up Catholic, Lent was very serious business. No meat on Friday was just the tip of the iceberg, and having the good Sisters at school guiding us through Lent made us pay attention to all the rules.   Lent is very different today, but still a time of reflection.  As time goes by these traditions connect me with my roots, my family and my faith. Today is the last celebration until Easter, so for today, let the good times roll!