The day has come. The perfect little day that Polish (and non-Polish) people alike look forward to wedged between Christmas and Easter. This Tuesday, get ready for Pączki Day 2012. Pronounced (poonch-key), this delectable Polish doughnut dessert is a Polonia favorite.

Of course, around town there are a few events that are willing to check out if you’re looking to get your delicious fried pastries filled with jam.

The first big pączki day celebration is hosted by the Polish Heritage Dancers of Western New York, taking place at the Hearthstone Manor. This is the main fund-raising event for the dance group and festivities will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Live music and dancing will be provided all day and tickets are available for $8 at the door. All sorts of Polish food and raffles will be on hand at this party.

Another great event going on is a pączki day celebration at the Broadway Market. For those looking to take a trip down memory lane, check out the most famous Polish market in the area. The market will open up bright and early at 8 a.m. with pączki from Melanie’s Sweets, E.M. Crusciki Bakery and the White Eagle Bakery. Come for the desserts and stay for the atmosphere by picking up some other Polish food while you’re there.

The best places to get pączki in Buffalo

D & L Bakery—Depew, Buffalo
Also known as the White Eagle Bakery at the Broadway Market, D & L Bakery has been baking the good since 1904, with the Geles family taking over the shop in the 1920’s. Currently run by a fourth generation, Polish brother and sister team, the bakery is known for their rye bread, almond bars and is the number one stop for my family on pączki day.

Chrusciki Bakery—Lancaster, Buffalo
In 1984, bakery owners Teddy and Hania Robieniek left Gdansk, Poland in search of a better opportunity for their family and in 1990 the E.M. Chrusciki Bakery was born. They brought back truly authentic recipes for things like pączki, placek, and chrusciki and the bakery has quickly become a staple in the Polish rooted Broadway Market area.

Broadway Market—Buffalo
Although both previous bakeries are at the Market, nothing quite beats the trip down to the best spot in Buffalo. Here, we always run into old friends and families who are picking up their pączki for the day. Since I live in the suburbs now, the next time I’ll see these folks is when we all come back to shop for Easter dinner. It’s really a Polish gem in Buffalo with a great history. If you’ve never been, take a drive down.

Want to try making your own pączki this year? Check out this recipe video, straight from Warsaw—it’s legit.

Photo courtesy of Broadway Market