We call it “The Polish Heart Attack”

Today, February 27th, is Fat Thursday (Tłusty czwartek) and according to Polish-American tradition, it’s the one day a year that every bakery and pastry shop in town sell Paczki (pronounced “poch-key”). The desert is meant to be eaten the week before Ash Wednesday, a binge snack before the fast of Lent. I asked the Polish waitresses at Peter Panwhy this is and they answered simply,…

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    1. Good to know! Yes, Peter Pan has it one day a year only, but I’m glad it is available year ’round elsewhere (although for my health, I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that).

      1. You should try Syrena’s (Norman and Humboldt; closed on Sundays) and pick up a cheese babka while you’re there. So fresh and tasty.

  2. I’ve definitely gotten this at the Star Bakery on Nassau at other times of the year. Multiple times. So many times that I had to bar myself from the place because it seemed like not the best idea to eat so much sugar and lard on such a regular basis. STILL. They’re so very good and I urge everyone to eat as many as they can today!

  5. Hi, Gina. Enjoyed your article. But let me tell you: a TRUE Polish person loves a PRUNE “punsh-ski” or “poonsh-ski” — that’s the way my mother pronounced it years ago. When I was little, in the 60’s, I HATED the prune ones. I liked the ‘jelly’ ones. 🙂
    And, as others have stated in the comments, go to a Polish bakery, and they are available year round. p.s. I have since moved from Greenpt., being born and bred there, but I know there must be SOME good ole people who still must have them every day. PLUS: for Peter Pan Donuts: Oh Lord, one MUST have their white cream eclair! I always wonder WHY that isn’t more promoted in The Greenpointers (and others) kudos for Peter Pan?? That is what I STILL dream about, their white cream eclairs, since moving from Greenpoint. 🙂
    Best,
    Gloria

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