Celebrate Fasnacht Day, an annual tradition

On Tuesday, February 13 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!

Join in the Lehigh Valley tradition and indulge in the sweet treats!

The following bakeries provide Fasnachts on this day:

Ahart's Markets - Routes 115 and 940, Blakeslee, 570-646-8115

The Bakery Nook - 2355 Old Post Road, Coplay; - $24 per dozen

The Buttered Crumb LLC - 6937 Route 309, New Tripoli; - $15, baker's dozen

Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co. - 4188 Lehigh Drive, Cherryville; - $16 per dozen; $8 for half-dozen

Egypt Star Bakery also said they will keep up with the demand

Please make sure to call ahead - especially with road conditions.