On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, we celebrate Fasnacht Day in Pennsylvania! If you've ever had a fasnacht, they are delicious!
Fasnacht Day is an annual Dutch celebration where people stuff themselves with sweets before the season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
The Fasnacht Day tradition originated in Germany and was brought to the United States. The word means fast night', translated into English.
Because many Christians choose to fast or deny themselves sweets and treats during Lent, it was common to indulge on Fat Tuesday. Fat/Shrove Tuesday - the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent.
Sugar, butter, eggs, and lard were traditionally used to make Fasnachts.
In preparation for Lent, many religions emptied their pantries of indulgences like lard and sugar. In using up the supplies, the fastnacht was born.
The buttery treat is not quite as sweet as normal donuts, but delicious all the same. Typically, they are made with mashed potatoes and coated in sugar or molasses. It it can be eaten in any way. My favorite way to eat them is with powdered sugar on top!
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