In the Christian calendar , Fat Thursday is the last Thursday before the beginning of Lent. It is a symbolic holiday that we associate with abundance and sweetness. In Poland, this is the time when donuts, faworki, donuts and other delicious baked goods rule. We will soon be able to enjoy these delicacies, because Fat Thursday 2024 falls on February 8 .
Origin and Tradition of Fat Thursday
The tradition of celebrating Fat Thursday has its roots in pre-Christian practices, where it was a way to say goodbye to winter and prepare for the arrival of spring. In ancient times, on this day a sumptuous feast was served, during which roasted meat, bread and wine were served.
The name "fat" indicates the abundance and abundance that can be enjoyed before the fasting period begins. On this day, according to tradition, you could eat sweet snacks without limits. Fat Thursday was also an opportunity for various fun and social gatherings.
Moveable Day - When is Fat Thursday 2024?
The date of Fat Thursday depends on the date of Easter, which is why it is a movable holiday. It usually falls between January 29 and March 4. In 2024, we will celebrate Fat Thursday on February 8 . It is worth noting that in other countries, such as France and New Orleans in the United States, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is celebrated, which takes place the day before the beginning of Lent.
What to Eat on Fat Thursday?
Fat Thursday is, above all, a time when we can enjoy sweets without feeling guilty. The most characteristic treat of this day are donuts. Traditionally stuffed with jam or cream, donuts are a symbol of Fat Thursday . In addition to donuts, faworki, donuts, donuts and other sweet baked goods are also popular. Many people decide to prepare them themselves at home, but they can also be purchased in confectioneries and bakeries.
Recipes for Sweet Snacks for Fat Thursday
If you want to try preparing delicious sweets for Fat Thursday , we have some inspirations for you. Here are some recipes for popular treats of this day:
Traditional donuts recipe
Ingredients:
- 300g of flour
- 3 eggs
- 2 flat teaspoons of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons of chilled sour cream 18%
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of cold butter
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- pinch of salt
- powdered sugar for sprinkling
Execution:
STEP 1: In a large bowl or food processor, combine flour, vanilla sugar and baking powder.
STEP 2: Add cooled sour cream, egg yolks, butter, vinegar and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it is elastic and smooth.
STEP 3: Set the dough aside for about 30 minutes.
STEP 4: Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm and cut out discs using a glass or donut cutter.
STEP 5: Fry the donuts in hot oil on both sides until they become golden.
STEP 6: After frying, drain the donuts on a paper towel and then sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Crispy Faworki from the oven
Ingredients:
- 250g cake flour
- 1 flat teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 flat teaspoons of vanilla sugar
- 3 heaping tablespoons of chilled 18% sour cream or thick yogurt
- 3 egg yolks, size L
- 1 tablespoon of cold butter
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- pinch of salt
- powdered sugar for sprinkling
Execution:
STEP 1: In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and vanilla sugar.
STEP 2: Add cooled sour cream, egg yolks, butter, vinegar and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it is elastic and smooth.
STEP 3: Wrap the dough in foil and set aside for about 30 minutes.
STEP 4: Roll out the dough into a thin layer and cut it into strips about 2 cm wide.
STEP 5: Twist the dough strips and then place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
STEP 6: Bake the faworki in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes until they become golden.
STEP 7: After baking, cool the faworki and sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar.
Delicious Oponki
Ingredients:
- 500g of flour
- 250 ml of milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 eggs
- pinch of salt
- frying oil
- powdered sugar for sprinkling
Execution:
STEP 1: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
STEP 2: Add eggs and milk and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
STEP 3: Set the dough aside for about 30 minutes.
STEP 4: Fry the dumplings in hot oil on both sides until they turn golden.
STEP 5: After frying, drain the donuts on a paper towel and then sprinkle them with powdered sugar.
Chocolate mousse in dessert cups
Ingredients:
- 200 g dark chocolate (50% - 70%)
- 3 eggs
- 50 g of sugar
- 50 g butter
- 125 ml sweet cream 30-36%
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of boiling water
- dessert cups
Execution:
STEP 1: Break the chocolate into pieces, melt together with the butter in a water bath and set aside.
STEP 2: Separate the whites from the yolks.
STEP 3: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff.
STEP 4: Whip the cream until stiff.
STEP 5: Beat the yolks with sugar until light. Continue beating, gradually pour 2 tablespoons of boiling water.
STEP 6: Stir in the melted chocolate. Stir until a smooth mass is obtained. Immediately add half of the whipped cream and stir vigorously to thin the mixture. Then gently mix in the rest of the whipped cream, using a whisk all the time. Gradually mix in the egg white foam.
STEP 7: Transfer the ready mousse to disposable dessert cups .
Sweet day of abundance
Fat Thursday is a unique holiday that we associate with abundance and sweets. In Poland, this is the time when we eat donuts, faworki, donuts and other delicious sweets. This tradition has its roots in pre-Christian practices, where people said goodbye to winter and prepared for the arrival of spring. Other countries also celebrate similar holidays, such as Mardi Gras in France or the United States.
If you want to try preparing delicious sweets for Fat Thursday , try our recipes for traditional donuts, crispy faworki, delicious dumplings or chocolate mousse in cups . Enjoy your meal!