Paczki Day- YUM!

(Pronounced puhnch-kee) ( Polish donut)

Approaching the side door with my final steps from school,

the sweet aroma of homemade fried dough

mixed with cinnamon and sugar

and the tartness of raspberry jelly

inhales into my senses-

a smile spreads across my face

as my stomach rumbles with joy,

IT’S PACZKI DAY!

My mom had labored my school day away

making dough,

frying it in fresh oil

and filling fluffy dough spheres with raspberry jelly

or braiding dough

that was tossed about in cinnamon and sugar.

Platefuls of these Polish donuts

welcomed our whole family home

only once a year-

IT’S PACZKI DAY!

Pure delight

as the cinnamon sugar melted in your mouth

and the warm dough caressed your tastebuds.

Pure heaven

as your bite blended together

the sweet dough and tart jelly.

After the first scrumptious donut

was completely devoured,

the next one was in hand.

Nothing compares to

my mother’s homemade Polish donuts-

IT’S PACZKI DAY!

Memories of this family tradition

float through my mind on this Fat Tuesday,

happy images mixed with sadness of missing

this talented chef

fill my mind.

Gratefulness for a local grocery store

carrying boxed paczkis

pumps through my heart.

I raise a paczki in your honor mom-

IT’S PACZKI DAY!

The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Fat Tuesday to many. But to me it will always be Paczki Day! My mother made the BEST homemade Polish donuts each year on this day. Coming home to a house that smelled like a bakery and devouring one donut after another was a childhood dream brought to life. Each year on this day, I remember it so fondly. Mom, thank you for giving our family such wonderful memories and showing us your love through your talented cooking. I would give anything to see you again and heartily enjoy a paczki with you.

Photo by Geraud pfeiffer on Pexels.com