Fastnachts for Fat Tuesday

Author: Will Lewis, Reporter, Will.Lewis@wfmz.com
Published On: Feb 20 2012 11:01:36 PM EST  Updated On: Feb 21 2012 05:17:46 AM EST

Fastnachts preparation underway

Tomorrow's Tuesday, of course, but not just any Tuesday. Some people call it Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday.

In New Orleans, they celebrate Mardi Gras but in Pennsylvania it's all about the Fastnachts!

But before you can enjoy them, someone's gotta make them!

There's a lot of people working in the kitchen at Christ Lutheran Church in Mount Bethel, Northampton County.

They have to make enough batter for 300 dozen Fastnachts.

"We use flour,shortening, nutmeg, eggs and mashed potatoes," said Fastnacht baker Blanche Narrow.

The church has been selling the Pennsylvania Dutch treat for 15 years.

"I grew up in this church. Came to Sunday school, came to church here. I've seen them be made before, this is the first time I've actually helped," said Jeff Horn.

While some have the making of the batter down to a science, others are trying their hand at the mixer for the first time.

"We're still getting everything together as far as an assembly line, making this all come together so we'll know better next year," said Michael Eckroth of Salem United Church.

People at Salem United Church are making 50 dozen fastnachts.

"I thought it was going to be a lot harder, a lot more tedious," said Kristopher Whalen.

It's the first time the church has tried it but everyone there knows the history of the treat.

"It's a time to use up all the leftover yeast, and eggs, and elements that go into baking that you would refrain from using during the season of Lent," said Eckroth.

So it's another year of tasty goodness but if you haven't placed your order, good luck finding them.

"They can take their chances, I don't know if we'll have extra or not," said Narrow.

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