Yes, this Tuesday is the arrival of Fat Tuesday.  You may know it by its more famous French name – Mardi Gras.  It’s the last day of fun and frivolity prior to the arrival of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, when the more pious among us will forgo their wicked, hedonistic ways and settle in for forty days of self-reflection and prayer in preparation for the coming Easter holiday.

Since Fat Tuesday is the “last gasp” for all things wicked and debaucherous, it’s a day for one last hit of rich foods and naughty treats before the fasting and level-headedness of Lent begins.  In Sweden, revelers dive into “Semla”, a cream bun filled with whipped cream.  Italians down cannoli, the Greeks eat cheese, while the UK, Ireland and Canada all celebrate with pancakes.  New Orleans has the “King Cake”, where folks try to get the slice with the plastic baby inside so they can be named king (or queen) for the day.

In my region, we celebrate with “fastnachts” – big, square doughnuts drenched in sweet glaze or sprinkled with powdered sugar.  They are everywhere, and if you can’t find one on Fat Tuesday, you just aren’t looking very hard.

No matter which way your culinary tastes lean towards, this Tuesday will probably have a decedent treat waiting for you to enjoy.  So “laissez le bon temps rouler” (let the good time roll) and enjoy your week!