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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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