Fastnachts and New Socks: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

I can’t believe tomorrow’s Fat Tuesday! Growing up in Pennsylvania, we celebrated with fastnachts. The public schools feted Doughnut Day. Every school lunch included a powdered doughnut.

I know times have changed. The emphasis is on fruit and healthy snacks. But some traditions, including the Pennsylvania Dutch fastnacht, are worth continuing.

Our family recipe requires a full day of mixing, kneading, rising, punching, rolling, cutting, (more) rising, and finally, frying. It’s a true labor of love, and the results are gluttonous. This year’s yield: 99 doughnuts!

The only thing that could make baking with my family even better is knitting. So while we waited for the dough to rise, I dug out this skein from my stash.

Since acquiring this yarn, my plan has been to knit Mardi Gras socks, but each year, I fail to cast on. Not this year. I have one cuff knit. While they won’t be finished tomorrow, I’m a monogamous knitter so I know they’ll be complete by month’s end. I look forward to wearing them for many Mardis Gras to come. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Bon tricot!

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Bon Tricot

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