Paczki, is what is known as the original Polish donut, no one will ever agree on how to pronounce them, but everyone will agree that you cannot eat just one or even two.

Paczki are maid and eaten on Fat Tuesday the day before Ash Wednesday.

Paczki are round sugar coated, fruit filled Polish pastry. Originally Paczki were maid to use up the lard and eggs, which were prohibited during lent.

Today they are maid and served as a last- minute, beginning before lent knowing that you will not see any pastry during this time.

Today Paczki are becoming what a cake is to a birthday or turkey and pumpkin pie is to Thanksgiving and fruitcake is to Christmas. People all over purchase them by the dozens to share with their friends and relatives and even co-workers, Paczki are the #1 donut sold at this time of year.

Most people of the Polish background have Paczki in their homes at this particular time of the year, at my bakery we fill them with prunes which is the original way as I learned as a child but you can use anything that you like and you don't have to be Polish to enjoy them.

Andrew Krause is a Chef and Pastry Chef for over 30 years, at persent I own a Gourmet Bakery called The Cheese Confectioner. You can visit my site at http://www.andies.cashhosters2.com

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