As our local communities continue to grow I want to take this opportunity to welcome them and introduce them to one of my weaknesses, Fastnachts.

            The best way to do it is with a traditional Fastnacht.  More than a donut, these doughy potato treats were, and still are, a tradition in many area homes.

Feb. 13 is Fastnacht Day

            You can call them Fastnacht Kucha (fast night cake) or just plain Fastnacht; either way they are gutte (good).

            They come to us from the Germans who settled in this region of Pennsylvania.  These Pennsylfawnish-Deitsch (Pennsylvania-Germans) brought many traditions with them.  Over the years the Deitsch has been altered into "Dutch" by the well-meaning English, but make no mistake, history is quite clear that the Pennsylfawnish-Dietsch didn't emigrate from the Netherlands and they didn't wear wooden shoes.

            This year, on Feb.13, many people will be celebrating Mardi Gras with parades, parties, and other festive celebrations.  But, around here I'll be celebrating with a nice cup of coffee and a Fastnacht or two.  I'll probably even have one for dessert with my

supper.  It's a good thing that it only comes once a year.

            At this time of the year, we enjoy the Fastnacht kucha, or fast night cake (or just plain Fastnacht).  It is indeed a Pennsylvania-Dietsch goodie.  It's just one of the delicacies where the best was usually found coming from mom's or grandma's kitchen.

            There was a time when nearly every Pennsylvania-German home celebrated the

day before Ash Wednesday with Fastnacht Daag (Day), the day before the fast.

            The season of Lent was, and still is, usually observed by many with fasting or giving up your favorite food.  Fastnacht Day coincides with Shrove Tuesday and was used by the Pennsylvania-Germans to help use up the lard and sugar they had on hand before the Lenten fast began.  Hence, some may think of it as a way to remove the temptation to break the fast, and a good Pennsylfawnish-Deitsch trencherman looks forward to the day.

            When we were younger, Fastnacht Day had additional meanings in addition to the wonderful treats.  The last one out of bed becomes the "Fastnacht" for the day and goes through teasing all day by family members.  If schoolmates found out about it, you heard it from them too.  It was only for a day and all in good fun.

            There were farmers who would feed Fastnachts to their chickens believing it would help keep the hawks away during the spring.   Some even thought it would help the hens lay more eggs.

            Fastnachts can be square, round, or triangle-shaped – with or without a hole.  Flour, potatoes, yeast, perhaps an egg or two and some butter.  Let it rise, cut to shape, then drop into boiling lard (or substitute a healthier alternative- but it won't taste as good).  Nowadays, you can get them plain, powdered with sugar, filled with whipped cream, or several other options.

            My personal favorite is the plain Fastnacht – no butter or apple butter, no molasses, no jelly, no filling, just plain.  The taste reminds me of a flavor from a long time ago – in a familiar kitchen.

            It's only one day a year – enjoy yourself.

            Some supermarkets and convenience stores carry Fastnachts, but it's just not the same as fresh from the kitchen while they're still warm.

            There was a time when many fire companies, churches, and other groups would make and sell Fastnachts by the hundreds as a fundraiser, and some still do.

            It is a great opportunity to support your local organizations and treat yourself at the same time.  They are homemade, fresh, and a win-win for you and the group.

            Hallic Fastnacht Daag (Happy Fastnacht Day)!