One more for Mardi Gras - Pączki

One more posting on Mardi Gras...this time I'm going strictly commercial, though I am sure there are great recipes out there for these delectable treats.

All behold the Pączki! (pronouced ponch-key) This is one of those treats from my childhood that bring back vivid and strong memories. It is essentially a bismarck or jelly doughnut. Rich and delicious, they are traditionally filled with plum, prune or rose petal jam...these days you can find them filled with lemon, strawberry, blueberry or custard.

My memories of these are not associated with Mardi Gras, though that is what they are most closely tied to traditionally. My recollection goes back to when I was 5 or 6 on a trip to Poland. As my family waited for our relatives in Warsaw, we found a cafe and had black current juice and paczki. Delicious!

I had to post this because I saw these in the grocery store earlier this week and had a rush of nostalgia. I'm glad some company is marketing these to the general public for Mardi Gras celebrations. It is great to see a bit of my Polish heritage get some attention.