Paczki, Pretty Pretty Please

Every year I look forward to Fat Tuesday for one reason: Paczki (pooch-kee). They may look like the average filled donuts associated with overweight police officers and burnt coffee but oh no, they are not. These heavenly delights are Polish pastries stuffed plump with fresh fruit, jellies, and creams. The outside is perfectly soft and fried with just enough crisp to protect the real treat within. The tops of the paczki are as varied as the fillings, some are covered in a sugar or chocolate glaze while others keep it simple in a light dusting of powdered sugar.

From top left: Bavarian cream with chocolate glaze, prune jelly with glaze, lemon. 


The bakery section of the grocery store where I work gets them in once a year, each and it is quite an affair. I love seeing the extra racks filled top to bottom with trays and boxes of these delicious treats, filling the air with an intoxicatingly sweet aroma. Needless to say, if you have never tried a puczki, put it on your bucket list. Right now. Seriously. And when you do, don't be shy, take a big bite and enjoy the moment. 

My motivation to get through an afternoon of homework ;)

Juice Time!

Those who know me well are accustomed to my international food collection. My curiosity knows no boundaries so long as there are no raisins or dried meat involved. Most recently I have been collecting juices and sodas from around the world. I think this has to do with the nostalgic appeal of childhood juice boxes and a general distate for American soda, although I do love a cherry Coke when at the movies. Overall this new experience has been a success, although some versions were a bit too sweet, there were new favorites from fruit that I never even heard of.  Plus the packaging is incredibly bright and inspiring. I now find myself coming home from class with a bowl of yogurt pretzels and juice, watching re-runs on tv - just like the good 'ol days. 

From top left: orange juice, Elderflower and Lingonberry juice from Sweden, South American Peach concentrate, Hawaiian guava nectar, Mexican strawberry soda, European Coca Cola, Italian Chinotto soda.