It’s Paczki Time!

The Lenten season is right around the corner, and Riesbeck’s is rolling out a traditional favorite.

Paczki’s (punch-keys) are now being sold at area stores. They are hand made at the the store starting anywhere between 1AM and 3AM to keep up with the demand. We asked Bakery Director John Chickery to tell us about the process.

“Well first it starts with a flour base and lots of sugar. Lots of egg. Yeast and it will mix on that mixer…It has to proof and then we’ll fry it in the donut fryer…and then we’re either going to glaze it, or sugar, powdered sugar. We’re gonna fill them. So its a pretty long process.”

It’s a traditional polish donut that has a variety of flavors. Some of the favorites in the Riesbeck’s stores are pumpkin and red raspberry. We talked to Jane Dombroski, store events coordinator who told us they are quite a favorite.

“This is something that we only have once a year, and they sell real quick. So as soon as they hit the display stands, customers are coming in and they’re taking them so its quite popular.”

Those who shopped for Paczkis today had the chance to listen to Ray Gallas accordion music and dance. It was all an effort to get people into the traditional spirit. Has the craving hit you yet? If so, be sure to head down to Riesbeck’s and grab some Paczkis for yourself.