People may not agree on how to pronounce them, but all are gathering to gobble up Paczki on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

Emigrates of Poland pronounce them “Pooch-key” or “Punch-key”, or even “Poonch-key”. All are correct!

These round, sugar coated, fruit filled Polish pastries were served up annually on the day before Lent, a period of abstinence observed by Roman Catholics.

Originally, Paczki were made for practical reasons, to use up the lard and eggs which were prohibited during Lent. Now, they’re more of a last-minute binge on sweets before the sacrifice. Whatever your past, all enjoy the tasty treat of Paczki, which means “little package” in Polish.