Plan Ahead for Paczki Day in Plainfield

Fat Tuesday is not complete without this fried dough Polish treat.

For many area residents, Fat Tuesday — which falls on Feb. 12 this year — is not complete without the delectable Polish delicacy known as paczki.  Due to the Chicago area's large Polish population, the fried dough creation has become a staple of the pre-Lenten celebration and indulgence. Filling and icing varieties make the choices almost unending. But you don't have to be Polish to enjoy the seasonal goody. In Plainfield, Cathy's Sweet Creations is already taking preorders for the sweet treat, available in flavors Bavarian cream, strawberry and raspberry for $1.55 each or $16.95 for a dozen. According to the bakery's Facebook page, Cathy's sold 2,000 of the Polish confections last year. Here are a few places to get your paczki fix, both …

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Stephanie G.

12:15 pm on Friday, February 8, 2013

Only at Donut Den. They have over a dozen varieties and each one is superb.   more ›

We Asked

Are You Giving Up Anything for Lent?

We ask these Average Joes and Janes if they are making any sacrifices over the next 40 days to prepare for Easter.

Wednesday began the 40-day period of Lent. Many forms of Christianity observe this period, which leads up to Easter, by giving up something that tempts them. From signing off of Facebook to tuning out the "Jersey Shore," the range of what people give up varies. Linda Junes, 53, of Plainfield, was out-and-about on Fat Tuesday, the day prior to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, but still didn’t know what she was going to do as her penance. “Oh man,” Junes said. “I haven’t thought much about it yet.” We hit the streets near the Plainfield post office to see if people in town were participating in Lent. Click on each photo to read what people had to say.

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