The Lenten season is nearly upon us, but before that … Mardi Gras.
When people think of Mardi Gras they tend to think of big parades, face paint, brightly colored beads and of course, parties.
Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French. For Christians, it’s also a day to enjoy indulgences like favorite foods or drinks before making the sacrifice of giving them up for the 40 days of Lent that start on Ash Wednesday.
When it comes to Mardi Gras, no place that does it better than New Orleans. Among the many rich traditions there is indulging in the beignets Crescent City is known for. These delicious pastries are also a perfect treat for your own Mardi Gras celebrations.
Kate Applebaum of Cajun Kate’s in Wilmington makes around 200 to 250 beignets per
week and sells out of them every week. “Not too many places sell them in this area, so if you’ve been to New Orleans or know what they are, then you probably want them,” said Kate.
Cajun Kate’s makes beignets all year round, along with plenty of other Cajun food to make any random day in Delaware feel like a sunny day in the French Quarter.
“I think beignets are special because they remind me of New Orleans and the fun times that you can have …” Kate stated.
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But hold that thought if you think you’re going to load up on Cajun Kate beignets by tomorrow.
Applebaum takes Mardi Gras week off to travel to New Orleans and celebrate in style. If you are not giving up donuts for Lent, you can enjoy them when she reopens her restaurants on Tuesday, March 8.
Cajun Kate’s is also located in the Booth’s Corner Farmers Market at 1362 Naamans Creek Road, Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, (484) 947-8914
But we wont leave you high and dry on one of the best days for donuts all year. Here are seven more places to satisfy your craving for sugar, fat and dough, as well as a few more places you can try soon when they reopen for the season.
A & R Bakery, Middletown, Delaware
Famous for their donuts, A & R Bakery offers an assortment of delicious doughy treats perfect for Fat Tuesday. Some of their flavors include Boston creme, chocolate mousse, peanut butter, cinnamon sugar and more.
Cakes by Kim- Wilmington, Delaware
Don’t be fooled by the name. Cakes By Kim is not the only dessert made here.
You can also get delicious pastries including danishes, cannoli, and of course, plenty of donuts. Pre-order a delicious box of donuts to start your Mardi Gras off right! Glazed, chocolate-dipped, covered in sprinkles … Kim has you covered.
Cakes By Kim, 15 German Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, (302) 252-9995, cakesbykim.com
Duck Donuts, multiple locations
How could anyone not like made-to- order donuts? The warm dough when it comes out of the oven, the delicious frosting, the mouth- watering sprinkles …
At Duck Donuts you can get made-to-order donuts, as well as coffee, sandwiches and even ice cream.
Since the Duck Donuts in Newark closed, the closest place to get your Duck Donuts cravings satisfied in West Chester, Pennysylvania.
Some of the more popular donuts include Bacon in the Sun (yes that is a donut with bacon on it), Peanut Butter & Jelly, French Toast and much more.
But don’t be limited by a flavors menu. You can also create your own donut with whatever frosting and toppings you want.
Visit duckdonuts.com
Dutch Country Donuts, New Castle Farmers Market, New Castle, Delaware
What’s better than freshly made donuts? Practically nothing, if you ask me.
At Dutch Country donuts inside the New Castle County Farmers Market you can watch your donuts being made before you take them home.
Choose from an array of flavors as well as one one of their gourmet coffee drinks to go with your fresh donuts.
Dutch Country Donuts, 110 N Dupont Highway, New Castle, Delaware, (302) 547-5009, newcastlefarmersmarket.com/store-directory/full-list/dutch-country-donuts/
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Fractured Prune, multiple locations
Everyone knows about that unbelievable deliciousness of Fractured Prune.
Whether you like to keep it classic with a plain chocolate or glazed donut or you want to go absolutely crazy and add a bunch of toppings to your donuts, Fractured Prune is the place to do it. Create your own donut or choose from one of their specialty donuts.
Visit fracturedprune.com for locations and more info.
Hot Mini Donuts, New Castle Farmer’s Market, New Castle, Delaware
The name is pretty self explanatory. They may be little, but their mighty.
At the New Castle Farmer’s Market, you can watch these donuts being made right in front of you at this cheery yellow stand.
100 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, Delaware; (302) 874-5384; newcastlefarmersmarket.com/store-directory/full-list/mini-donuts/
Laurel Coffee Shop, Laurel, Delaware
Laurel Coffee Shop is the perfect place to have your ‘’Friends’’ moment while you enjoy a cup of coffee and one of their delicious donuts. Whether you like chocolate, vanilla, coconut or something else entirely, you are likely to find it here.
Laurel Coffee Shop, 215 E Market St, Laurel, Delaware, (302) 875-5299,
Serpe & Sons Bakery, Elsemere, Delaware
Serving Delawareans since 1952, Serpe’s Bakery is famous for its rolls and sweets.
Some of their most delicious sweets include donuts, of course.
“The Italian Specialist Since 1952!” With a slogan like this, how could you not trust them to make you something special on such a special day?
And here are some places closed for the season but worth waiting for:
Fifer’s Mobile Donut Kitchen, 514 E Savannah Road, Lewes, Delaware, (302) 697-2141,
fiferorchards.com/fifers-mobile-donut-kitchen/
Glazed, 8 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, (302) 278-7175,
Marini Produce, 2121 Veale Road, Wilmington, Delaware, (302) 475-5754,
Milburn Orchards, 1495 Appleton Road, Elkton, Maryland, (410) 398-1349,
