King cake reigns on Fat Tuesday — and the days leading up to it — but there are other traditional indulgences to be had across the country today. Bennison's Bakery in Evanston, Ill., has sold about 600 dozen pączki (pronounced pooch-ski) today alone,

Royal sugar rush. [Photograph: María del Mar Sacasa] "Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday," as it is the day before Ash Wednesday and the Christian season of Lent. Lent commemorates and honors the 40 days Jesus

By Amy Moore Masami Hart displays on Monday the colorful babies that will be used in king cakes sold at Rao's Bakery. Tradition says the cake consumer who finds the baby is king for the day. Photo taken Monday, February 20, 2012 Guiseppe Barranco/The

“The celebration is the three wise men visiting Jesus,” says Ed Dimmer, who owns Rhienlander Bakery in Olde Town Arvada, as he looks down on one of his tasty creations known as the King Cake. Ed and Maro Dimmer have been backing up King Cakes at their

These bars meet all King Cake flavor requirements, but are simpler to make and to serve. By Perre Coleman Magness, The Runaway Spoon / February 21, 2012 King Cake bars make a great dessert for a Mardi Gras party, and would pack up beautifully to carry