Today is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, the day all good Pennsylvania Dutch Amish and Mennonites divest themselves of rich ingredients, such as eggs, lard, butter, and sugar before the Lenten fast begins on Ash Wednesday.
These ingredients are combined to make a square dense pastry called Fasnachts (Fast Night). I remember Fasnacht Day in the 60's when I lived in Chambersburg, PA, which has a large Mennonite community. I've traveled the country, experiencing local cuisines and traditions, but never encountered fasnachts, even in Amish locales. It's truly a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. Enough about history, but if your heart desires more about this tradition, read all about it: Fasnacht Day.
So we arose somewhat early this morning to start our day (I admit we could have started sooner but...) in our search for the most authentic fasnacht. Well, Lancaster PA is the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, so we had ample choices to find the "real thing".
Our first stop was Achenbach Bakery. We spent too much time and money there, but everything beckoned to our senses, and we didn't resist. We ended up sitting at a table to stuff our faces before heading off to the next place of sin.
Ooh gooey goodness!
Our next stop was W Donuts. cozy place, pricey but extraordinary!
We stopped for lunch to eat "real" food, Akron PA
Then we visited Bunyaad Fair Trade Rugs and Marketplace.
Seasonal herbs and spices
Exquisite quilling. I'm just a novice, inspiration.
Wonderful day!
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