Winter

O.K. I'm going to say it - I am sick of winter! The last few days have been dreadful, with cold winds and snow. Fortunately, this weather pattern is to break by the weekend.

Today we celebrate Fat Thursday with doughnuts!
An appreciation of doughnuts is nothing new for the Poles, and it is believed that the tradition of buying and sharing paczki to celebrate Fat Thursday dates right back to the 16th century. Although the focus of the celebration hasn't shifted throughout the ages, notes from history suggest that the recipe has evolved. 

In the 18th century, well-known historian Jędrzej Kitowicz made reference to the density and texture of the doughnuts, joking that the contemporary light paczki marked improvement on the baked goods of old, which could have done some damage if scoring a direct hit to the face. 

While Fat Thursday is often thought of as a means of treating oneself and indulging before a period of abstinence during Lent, the act of eating doughnuts is also believed to bring good luck in Poland. History suggests that it is lucky to eat doughnuts and that those who refuse these sugar-coated, doughy delights face a run of misfortune.

So eat plenty of doughnuts today!