Hamtramck And Paczki
In Southeast Michigan and probably throughout Michigan, Hamtramck and Paczki are synonymous.When preparing for Fat Tuesday people drive many miles to Hamtramck for the traditional Polish Paczki! Fans stand in line at the bakeries early Tuesday morning to pick up their order of this delicious pastry.
Hamtramck Michigan is known as "The World In Two Square Miles" and the city "within the city " of Detroit. Hamtramck became a destination for Polish immigrants when an auto plant was opened by the Dodge Brothers in 1914.
The city boundaries are literally within the city of Detroit. In 1970 ninety percent of the population was Polish. Through the years the demographics of the city have changed and Hamtramck is a multi cultural city which continues to celebrate the traditions of Poland. And Paczkis of course!
What Is a Paczki?
Paczki are filled pastries that resemble a traditional American filled doughnut, but that is where the similarities end for true aficionados. I am not one to turn down any type of doughnut, but paczki are deliciously unique and different.Supermarket versions of paczki are usually like door stoppers = not a paczek! The inside should be light and fluffy and the outside is crispy and topped with sugar. Traditional flavors of paczki are: Powidła (plum jam) and wild rose petal jam; but the more popular fillings are custard, lemon, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and apple. My personal favorite is Bavarian cream!
How Do You Say Paczki?
Poonch-kee !What Is the Difference Between Paczki and Paczek?
A single pastry is a Paczek - Poon-check!Many pastries are Paczki - Poonch-kee!
Paczki festivities in Hamtramck celebrate all week long including what has become a pre Fat Tuesday event the Paczki Run.
The Paczki Run
Prior to Fat Tuesday, Tour de Troit holds its' annual Paczki Run which is a 5k race highlighting the sights of Hamtramck. Traditional post race refreshments are a little different for the Paczki Run. Let's keep in mind this is a winter run in Michigan so Paczki participants are hardy braving snow, ice and wildly varying weather conditions.
Post race includes Polish music, dancers and "paczek from New Martha Washington Bakery & New Palace Bakery and a beer from Motor City Brewing Works are served to each finisher! Na Zdrowie! "
If you are a fan of pastries and doughnuts I highly recommend the Paczki (because noone can eat just one!)
More Michigan Travel
It's not St. Patrick's Day without the traditional Wigley's Corned Beef. Head over to Eastern Market to ensure you have the best! corned beef for St. Paddy's.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
FOLLOW US ON:
