Lunch 2.12.13 - It Faschnaut Be True Pope!

How perfect to celebrate the day before lent with something that is fried, doughy, and covered in sugar? Faschnauts, a fried doughnut, are typically served on Fat Tuesday. Above is the picture of the Faschnauts served in the dining hall during lunch on Fat Tuesday.

It was announced on Mon. Feb. 11 from Vatican City that Pope Benedict XVI is retiring effective Feb. 28, according to the Associated Press. Although, Pope Benedict XVI still led the Ash Wednesday service, which marks the beginning of Lent. This will be the first pope in about 600 years to step down from the position.

Faschnauts originated in Germany, where the doughnut is deep fried and coated in powdered sugar, table sugar or cinnamon and are either plain or filled with a fruit jam.

The Faschnaut has evolved into a standard of multiple cultures. In the Pennsylvania Dutch region, Faschauts are commonly made with potato flour and covered in table or powdered sugar.

It was only a couple of years ago that I tried a Faschnauts for the first time. It was unbeknownst to me the popularity and deliciousness of  this religious and culturally diverse treat. Now I look forward to their fried goodness every Fat Tuesday.

On Wednesday, students could be seen walking around campus with ashes on their foreheads. A service was held in the chapel at noon for students who still wanted to participate in between classes and were not able to make it to their own churches.

It is common to give something up for the 40 days of Lent, like eating ice cream or swearing, or others find it easier to adapt to something, like working out for 40 days or eating a salad every day for lunch to be healthier. What some do not know is that Sunday is a rest day and it is okay to eat ice cream or not have a salad for lunch. (I guess Pope Benedict XVI is giving up being pope for Lent.)

The Faschnauts in the dining hall were fairly delicious. While they were a little tough and hard, possibly from being fried too long or being made too far in advance and possibly being a little stale, they were still delicious. Of course, fried dough covered in sugar is hard not to be found delicious.

I give these Faschnauts and 3.5 out of 5 card swipes.

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I'm not sure if I want to attempt making Faschnauts. I don't think I'm authentic enough or have the amount of time to create them. I might just leave this particular yearly treat up to the baking professionals and enjoy their expertise. Maybe I'll get a few old ones and invite Pope Benedict XVI over and we'll hang out on his retire time.