Fat Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras. Pancake Day.
It's a Polish tradition that goes by a few different names, but nonetheless, involves devouring a large, jelly-filled doughnut called a Paczki (pronounced Poonch-Key).
On this day, the calories really do not matter.
If you grew up in the Midwest -- like Detroit or Chicago -- you likely have eaten a Paczki (or a few) in your life. Despite the many transplants out here in Arizona, it seems some Arizonans have yet to hear about this tasty tradition.
So, what is a Paczki? It's essentially a thick, jelly-filled doughnut. They come in multiple flavors. Sometimes they're filled with cream.
Why do we eat them? The history dates back to medieval times and coincides with the religious celebration of Lent. The pastries used many of the ingredients that homes would get rid of before fasting.
Where can you get them in Phoenix? We found a few places that are selling them on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 28.
- Bashas' - all Bashas locations will be making Paczkis from scratch. A half-dozen is $2.99. Individual ones are $0.75.
- Liberty Market - Gilbert's Liberty Market has stopped taking pre-orders, but will have some available for sale on Tuesday.
