Paczkis are a 'Fat Tuesday' tradition, the last hurrah before Lent.

James Coppinger via YouTube
James Coppinger via YouTube
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"Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is also known as Mardi Gras Day or Shrove Day," according to holidayinsights.com. "It is a day when people eat all they want of everything and anything they want as the following day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a long fasting period for Christians."

A Paczki (pronounced “Pooch-key”, “Punch-key”, or “Poonch-key”) is kind of like a jelly doughnut on steroids. Rich in egg and butter, they are stuffed with custard or a fruit filling. Don't even ask about the calories- it doesn't matter, it's Fat Tuesday! Not a danish, this delicacy is of Polish origin, popular in Michigan and the Midwest because of the large concentration of Poles in Hamtramck, Chicago, et. al.

If you are ordering from Sweetwater's Donut Mill, Sarkozy Bakery or Mackenzie's Bakery, you don't have to wait until the last minute. In fact, if you do, these treats may be gone!

Enjoy the video on how these high-caloric delights are made but don't think too much about it, just savor it!

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