Here in the South, today is known as Fat Tuesday, but in our family Shrove Tuesday was known by its German name, "Fasnacht" (or "Fast Night"). The idea was to use up all the fat in the house on Tuesday, before the start of 40 days of Lenten fasting the following day...and what better way to do that than to make DONUTS (called Fasnachts)! Not the kind you get at Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Donuts, mind you! These were barely sweet, light puffy squares of yeast dough, deep-fried to perfection so they were crispy-crunchy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. As kids, we got to shake the hot Fasnachts in a paper bag with either powdered sugar or (my personal favorite), cinnamon sugar! My mom used to make dozens, and we ate them ALL before the night was up (I'm not sure they even made it to dinnertime)! Clearly, these weren't as showy as a King Cake, and didn't have the cache of a Cafe du Monde Beignet, but they were fragrant and delicious...
In fact, I think I'm going to enjoy one right now with my cup of coffee! Mmmmmmm! Bet you wish you were here!
In fact, I think I'm going to enjoy one right now with my cup of coffee! Mmmmmmm! Bet you wish you were here!
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