Just thought I'd get this message out before Fat Tuesday - (aka Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday, March 8, 2011 -CM) - after seeing the story about the Polish foods enjoyed in Chicago by Sir Erwin Lepiarczyk. The Meijer stores bakeries in Lexington and Louisville are carrying paczki - pronounced "punch-key" - until Fat Tuesday.

I realize that these are likely not as good as homemade ones, or those from Chicago Polish bakeries. but in case Mr. Lepiarczyk (or anyone else who is interested are interested and will be near Meijer store, they will be available until that time.

Paczki are similar to a filled doughnut, but the dough is extra rich, and the fillings carried at the Meijer stores are: raspberry, strawberry, Bavarian cream, cherry, lemon, prune, blueberry, cream cheese, and apple. I can't vouch for them personally, (I hate doughnuts of any type) but they are very popular.

Some of them are selling out sometimes, but a special order can be placed by calling ahead. Just Google the nearest Meijer store to your location.

Thanks, and have a great day!

-T. Wilson