Most people don’t have a lot of good things to say about February and March. The cold, snow and clouds that seems like they will never go away can dampen the spirits of even the most stalwart Minnesotans.
But there is something good—something great, even about the slushy season—paczki (pronounced pownch-key, from the Polish.) Similar to jelly donuts but better, paczki are made from a richer, sweeter dough. Filled with custard or jam, they’re tender, fluffy but also a bit dense. Think of them as a jelly donut’s less flighty, more substantive big sister.
The Tuesday before the beginning of Lent is known as Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras—this year it’s March 5, and paczki are a traditional food to mark the day. The custom is based on feasting before fasting for Lent, and using up the foods that are traditionally not eaten during Lent—eggs, sugar and lard or butter. Whether or not you observe Lent, you can take part in this custom and eat up.
A trip to Northeast Minneapolis will bring you to two spots with fresh, authentic paczki in Kramarczuk’s and Sikora’s—they’re not too far from each other, so you may as well sample both.
Both shops have lots of other goodies you’ll want to try— meats, cheeses, baked goods and more. Kramarczuk’s also has a casual restaurant serving authentic Eastern European cuisine. Editor’s pick—their potato-leek soup. Pure comfort.
Kramarczuk’s
215 E Hennepin Ave, Mpls.
Sikora’s Polish Market and Deli
1625 Washington St NE, Mpls.
