Weird Wednesday - Fasnacht

Every area has their traditions for holidays, and in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, fasnachts are a delicious doughy tradition for the Lenten season. Whenever I post the word "Fasnacht" (also spelled Fasnaught) on any social mediums on 'Fat Tuesday', the day before lent, I get many inquiries about this weird word's meaning from non-Lancastrians.

Beverly Youket, from Helium.com recognizes that fasnacht tradition began ages ago when people would use up the lard and sugar in their pantries to create the delicious donut on Shrove Tuesday before fasting for Lent. Locally to Lancaster, the tradition has become a huge money maker and fundraiser for local businesses, fire stations, and churches. A few days before 'Fat Tuesday', one will spot 'Fasnachts at 7 am Tuesday' signs all over the county.

Traditionally, fasnachts are served plain, and many locals love to serve them with a dollop of molasses. My family prefers King's Molasses. They can also be served glazed and powdered depending on preference. The fasnacht tends to have a love/hate relationship. Some people find the fried delight to be too dry and dense. Others hanker for the donuts, and have to call the minute phone lines order their dozen to ensure they get "best" donuts in town from local churches.

Fasnachts are traditionally only made during the first week prior to the start of the Lent Season, and are usually limited to being served in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area.