Sunday
April 28, 2024 
It’s cherry pie and doughnut time again.
On Monday, Feb. 20, we can eat cherry pie in remembrance of Presidents Day and the tale of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree. On Tuesday, Feb. 21, we can eat doughnuts (fastnachts), pancakes or king cake in honor of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday and Shrove Tuesday.
Mardi Gras is the last day before Lent, which many churchgoers observe by sacrificing favorite foods for the 40 days before Easter. Traditionally, many households would use up eggs, butter and sugar on this last day by making pancakes or doughnuts, then live without them until Easter.
According to CNN, the tradition dates back to 600 A.D., when Pope St. Gregory prohibited Christians from eating all forms of meat and animal products, including dairy, during the 40 days of Lent.
Today’s observers of Lent are more likely to choose a single indulgence to give up, but the practice of eating doughnuts before Ash Wednesday continues. Local bakeries that sell fastnachts – the Pennsylvania Dutch version – include Maryanne Pastry Shoppe and Crossroads Bake Shop, both in Doylestown, and Lochel’s Bakery in Hatboro.
Yum Yum Bake Shops in Quakertown and Warminster also will have fastnachts, as will Warrington Pastry Shop in Warrington. Trauger’s Farm Market in Kintnersville will be taking orders through Saturday, Feb. 18, for fastnachts to be picked up on Feb. 21.
You don’t have to choose doughnuts and pancakes for your indulgence on Shrove Tuesday. This recipe from delish.com is eggy and rich, a reminder of dining in New Orleans this time of year. Made without yeast, this recipe is easier than the traditional version, but has lots of flavor and is a perfect addition to any Mardi Gras celebration. Let the good times roll.
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, separated
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step 1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. In another large bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, ¼ cup water, melted butter and vanilla and stir to combine. Fold into dry ingredients until just combined.
Step 2. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, then fold into batter.
Step 3. In a large pot, heat oil to 375 degrees. Drop small spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden, about 5 minutes. (You want to keep the oil at 375 degrees to make sure they cook all the way through.) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
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