This year, Paczki Day or Fat Tuesday (as some might call it) falls on Tuesday, March 4. (And, before we get too far along – it’s pronounced puhnch-kee). This festive day, just prior to Ash Wednesday, marks the start of the Christian observance of Lent.

Traditionally, to prepare for the prolonged fast leading up to Easter Sunday, in most Polish homes, the stores of lard, sugar, eggs and fruit would need to be consumed. Thankfully, some ingenious bakers put them all together to create the extra rich, sweet, pillowy, fruit-filled, powdered sugar-dusted pastry we’ve all come to know and love.

Here in NEPA, you’ll find this coveted, perennial treat at only a handful of select bakeries and pastry shops and the occasional deli. And it just so happens that we’ve rounded up a few below.