We would like to introduce our newest customers to one of our most requested holiday treats while giving our regular customers a taste of what they've been asking for by bringing back the Paczki for a limited time.

Traditionally, this treat is only enjoyed during the festive Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras celebrations.  But we're going to have them available starting September 11, 2006 for a limited time.  It may only be a week, and it may be longer...  we aren't certain, but we do know that if you want to get some of these scrumptous treats, you'll have to get in quick before they're all gone!

     Paczki (punch-key) Day is the feast of plenty before the Lenten fast begins. It is the last day of gaiety in Karnawal time, the period between Christmas and Lent. This is the time for sleigh parties called Kulig. To mark the last moments of excess before the austerity of Lenten sacrifice, Polish Roman Catholics celebrate Paczki Day. 

     On this day the traditional deep fried pastries (something like jelly doughnuts) are enjoyed throughout the world's Polonias.  This joyous activity precedes the Gorzkie Zale (lamentation services) of Lent in Polonian churches. In Poland, Paczki Day takes place the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, called Tlusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday). Long lines form in front of the bakeries in Polonia, and millions of Paczki are sold. 

     In United States Polonia, Paczki Day takes place the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, traditionally called Fat Tuesday in Carnival. Polish American bakeries also supply Paczki in the hundreds of thousands that day. Often in American Polonia, Paczki Day is celebrated with polka dances. In Roman Catholic grammar schools throughout American Polonia, children enjoy Paczki at school on that day.