OAKWOOD — Although the most notable Mardi Gras celebration is hundreds of miles away in New Orleans, the holiday has been making an impact here in Miami Valley, particularly to businesses.
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News Center 7 Reporter Kayla McDermott went to a local store, Ashley’s Bakery, to see how they are bring the culture to our area. In short, they are making this day all about eating.
“The Big Fat Tuesday is the last day to treat yourself,” before Lent, Owner Theresa Hammons said.
Businesses use today to supply customers with everything they need or desire to “treat” themselves before their patrons must give up something for Lent. The day also helps businesses get rid of inventory just before the upcoming religious holiday.
“It dates back to ancient times, when the Polish bakeries throughout the area needed to clear their stock and inventory of their extra shortening, and margarine, and butter, and fillings,” Hammons informed.
To not waste all those ingredients, they were made into punchkees.
“That’s where the punch originated from,” Hammons said. “So it’s a rich heavy donut that’s filled... [with] peanut butter, raspberry, and blueberry.” However, they can be filled with much more, McDermott interjected.
King cakes are also another New Orleans tradition that are being sold at the shop.
“It’s a nice Danish dough. It’s filled with roots of raspberry or blueberry,” Hammons said. The baked goods are also “dusted in green, gold, and purple sugars symbolizing the three gifts that the wise men brought baby Jesus.”
The cakes also have a surprise: “a little baby Jesus,” Hammons said. “If you get the baby Jesus inside, then next event or celebration that you go to, you bring a king cake.”
The themed pastries are something the bakery does every year, something they look forward to doing, McDermott said.
“Why not celebrate everything with food and help people celebrate even the simplest or biggest of days like that Tuesday,” Hammons said.
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