Fasnacht

Fasnacht (also spelled Fastnacht, Faschnaut, Fosnot, Fosnaught, Fausnaught) is a fried doughnut of German origin served traditionally in the days of Carnival and Fastnacht (the day before Lent begins). Fasnachts were made as a way to empty the pantry of lard, sugar, fat, and butter, which were traditionally fasted from during Lent.

Origins and Etymology

The word Fasnacht is of German origin, where "Fast" is the verb "to fast", and "Nacht" means night, indicating the eve of the traditional Lenten fasting period. The tradition of Fasnacht Day was brought to America by Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants, and is still celebrated in areas with large Pennsylvania Dutch populations.

Preparation and Serving

Fasnachts are made from a yeast dough, sweetened with sugar. The dough is cut into squares or circles, and then deep-fried. The finished product can be plain or filled with fruit or cream. It is also common to dust the Fasnacht with powdered sugar or glaze it with a sugar icing.

In the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, each family would make their own Fasnachts and serve them for breakfast on Fasnacht Day. Today, they are often sold by bakeries in the region in the days leading up to and on Fasnacht Day.

Fasnacht Day

Fasnacht Day is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. The holiday is especially popular in Pennsylvania and parts of Maryland, where it is often marked with Fasnacht baking parties and other community events.

See Also

• Doughnut
• Carnival
• Lent
• Pennsylvania Dutch