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Jaya Saxena is a Correspondent at Eater.com, and the series editor of Best American Food and Travel Writing. She explores wide ranging topics like labor, identity, and food culture.
The period leading up to Lent is celebrated in various ways across the globe, often referred to as Mardi Gras season or Carnival. This time is marked by indulgent feasting, particularly on traditional foods like king cake, before entering the 40 days of fasting that precede Easter. In many Midwest communities, this festive time culminates in Paczki Day, a celebration that honors a Polish culinary tradition. This year, Paczki Day will be observed on March 4, 2025. Here’s an informative guide about this delightful pastry and where to find it.
What are paczki?
Paczki are a unique type of Polish doughnut, distinguished by their denser and richer texture compared to the more airy American doughnut. Traditionally, they are filled with rosehip jelly or plum jam, but contemporary versions offer a wide array of fillings, from various jams to sweet creams. The dough recipe is akin to that of German, Jewish, and Italian filled doughnuts, but classic paczki include a dash of Polish vodka, known as Spiritus, in addition to the usual flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and yeast.
The origins of paczki are shrouded in folklore, with one tale attributing their creation to a cook named Cäcilie Krapf in the late 17th century who reportedly tossed dough into boiling oil. These treats have historically been associated with celebrations, possibly as a way to utilize up perishable ingredients before the fasting of Lent, much like the tradition of making pancakes in England or king cake in New Orleans, where leftover items from the kitchen are consumed before the fasting period begins. The historical fasting guidelines were quite stringent, showing the significance of using up such supplies.
Why are they mainly found in certain regions of the U.S.?
The 19th century saw significant waves of Polish and Lithuanian immigration to the United States, largely fueled by political unrest such as the November Uprising against the Russian Empire. Major settlements emerged in areas like Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Chicago. A subsequent surge in Polish immigration occurred during the Franco-Prussian War, which brought Polish Jews and Catholics to established communities and newer locations like Baltimore, Buffalo, and parts of New York and New Jersey.
Today, cities with substantial Polish-Catholic populations such as Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago are the hubs for Paczki Day festivities. Celebrations may occur as early as the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, but the main event tends to be on Fat Tuesday. Bakeries and doughnut shops often see long lines as patrons wait for their favorite paczki.
How do you pronounce the word “paczki”?
The pronunciation of paczki is often debated, with many favoring “POONCH-key.” However, some sources suggest it sounds closer to “POUNCH-key” or “PAUNCH-key.” For those unfamiliar with Polish, there is always a chance of mispronouncing it, but don’t let that deter you from indulging in these treats. Additionally, it’s worth noting that “paczki” is already plural; if you’re requesting just one, the correct term is “paczek.” But let’s be honest—who would stop at just one?
Where can you taste paczki?
Outside the Midwest, along with select areas in the South and Northeast, finding paczki might be a challenge. For Chicago residents, a guide to the best paczki in the city features venerable institutions like the 114-year-old Roeser’s Bakery. Detroit boasts numerous bakeries that blend both traditional and modern recipes, with some like New Palace Bakery opening as early as 3 a.m. to cater to eager customers. If you’re situated in a locality without easy access to paczki, you can even order them online for delivery.
Source
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