Paczki (punch-key) Day is the feast of plenty before the Lenten fast begins. It is the last day of gaiety in Karnawal time. In Poland it 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.   This joyous activity precedes the Gorzkie Zale (lamentation services) of Lent. In Poland, Paczki Day takes place the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, called Tlusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday). Long lines form in front of the bakeries, and millions of Paczki are sold. In   the Uunited States, Paczki Day takes place the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, traditionally called Fat Tuesday in Carnival.

INGREDIENTS:
3 packages active dry yeast 
1.5 ounces rum
1/2 cup lukewarm milk
1 cup melted butter
6 cups flour
prune filling or cherry jam
(jams w/o added sugar)
1 cup milk, scalded & cooled 
oil for deep frying
2 teaspoons salt
powdered sugar for sprinkling
20 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar

Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk for 5 minutes. Sift the flour into the scalded milk gradually. Add the yeast mixture, stirring until smooth. Let rise for 1/2 hour. Beat the salt into the egg yolks; add to flour mixture, mix well. Add the sugar and rum. Mix well. Knead until the dough no longer sticks to the sides. Gradually knead in the butter. Place in a greased bowl, turn to coat and let rise until doubled. Punch down and let rise again. Cut the dough in half, set one half aside and roll out the second half about 1/4 inch thick. Using a 2-inch biscuit cutter cut as many rounds as possible. Place a dab of jam or filling on one round, cover jam with another round and seal edges. Place the filled paczki on greased sheets, allowing room between each for rising. Repeat the process until all the dough is used. Let the paczki rise for about 1 hour or until doubled. Pour the oil into deep fryer or deep pan (about 5 inches). Heat the oil until it is about 360 to 370 degrees. Deep fry the paczki in oil for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown on both sides. Dust with powdered sugar.

back to did you know?