It is paczki season once again at Courtland Bakery, and owner Mary Peazel says local demand is as strong as ever.
The rich Polish-style doughnuts are made for a limited time each year, beginning in January and ending on Shrove Tuesday. The shorter season this year means just six weeks to enjoy them.
Although Peazel’s family is not Polish, the bakery has been making paczki for 26 years. She shares how she first learned to make the traditional treat.
She says the tradition has become a staple for customers who eagerly wait each winter for their return.
Courtland Bakery produces between 20,000 and 30,000 paczki each season, depending on the calendar. Each one is heavily filled, using premium ingredients rather than jelly.
Customers can choose from 13 paczki flavours, with Venetian cream, raspberry, and lemon remaining the top sellers. Paczki are also available with four topping options: plain, honey glaze, icing sugar, or granular sugar. Peazel recommends ordering in advance.
With paczki selling fast each season, Peazel says a quick call to 519-688-2023 can make all the difference between getting your favourite—or settling for what’s left.
Written by Jeremy Hall