I love love LOVE Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras in French. Growing up in Cleveland, the start of Lent was something that was felt throughout the whole city, not just for us Catholics. Cleveland is a very cultural city and the Eastern Europeans who are still immigrating there have brought their amazing traditions with them.
My college situation was a unique one, to say the least. For as much as I have been known to gripe about my alma mater, one thing I do very much appreciate is that it attracted people from all over the country. One of the areas that a lot of students came from was Louisiana, so I learned some fun traditions from them as well.
Fat Tuesday is the last night before Lent starts, which is a 40-day time of penance and sacrifice for Catholics as well as many other non-Catholic Christian denominations. Lent culminates with the Triduum (three days the encompass the time that Jesus was sent to trial and died) and ends with Easter. Before Lent officially starts, Fat Tuesday is like our final hurrah before 40 days of watching our p’s and q’s.
Today I just wanted to share a few recipes (linked) since we’re a week away from the Big Day. If you don’t do Fat Tuesday and/or Lent, may this be a friendly little nudge to encourage you to try something new this year. At the very least, it’s an excuse to eat some fun foods you wouldn’t otherwise get. Enjoy!
Pancakes
“Pancake suppers” are often Fat Tuesday traditions at many churches. The reason for this is that, back in the day, people weren’t allowed to have butter and other delicacies in their houses during Lent. So, they made pancakes the night before Lent started to use up all the goods. Today it’s an excuse to have a sugary mess for dinner. Enjoy.
Jambalaya
It’s no secret that this is by far my favorite Fat Tuesday tradition even though I was only introduced to it in college. I learned this recipe from my friend’s mama who grew up in Louisiana and I make it not only on Fat Tuesday, but throughout the year. I’m actually really craving some now. Oh, and the recipe makes a TON, so it’s great for a crowd. Major yum.
Lasagna
This is more of a Southern Italian tradition that stems from the good old days when Lent was a mandated 40 days of vegetarianism. We abstain from eating meat on Lenten Fridays, but not every day like they used to. Anyway, Lasagna, chock full beef (add sausage and maybe even veal if you’re feeling sassy) was a traditional way to get it all in before you can’t.
Paczki
Pronounced “poonch-key” or “punch-key,” these decadent Polish donuts are beyond delicious, and I’m not even a donut fan. My friends who were more traditional about this (read- they’re actual Eastern European-Americans, unlike myself) said that they would share what they were sacrificing for Lent with their families while eating their Paczki. Anyway, they look tough to make, but I believe in your abilities!
I, on the other hand, will be visiting the one and only Polish bakery that I know of in the area and recommend you do too.
King Cake
This is another tradition I didn’t know existed until I went to college and now I can’t have a Fat Tuesday without it. King Cake is named after the Three Kings, so you can only eat King Cake between Three Kings Day (January 5) and Mardi Gras (dates vary) or it’s bad luck. Anyway, there are different variations of the cake but the cinnamon is my favorite. Many places in New Orleans ship King Cakes this time of year and there’s still time for you to order one before Fat Tuesday! Don’t be alarmed to find a plastic baby in the cake.. If you get it in your piece, you have to buy the next King Cake!
Do you have a Fat Tuesday tradition that you love? I know many different cultures do many different things and I’d love to know what you do!
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
A great post. Certainly some yummy looking food there! Making me hungry even though I’ve had breakfast!
Rachael x