BOYERTOWN — Shrove Tuesday celebrations are different all over the world, and the United States has some interesting pre-Lent traditions.

New Orleans does King Cake better than any other city. The twisted, apple or cream cheese filled cake is covered in a tricolor frosting of green, purple and gold to represent justice, faith and power. A small toy is baked into the cake. It is usually a small toy baby to represent the baby Jesus, and it is meant to bring good luck to whoever gets it.

The large Polish communities around Chicago, Detroit and Buffalo make large batches of Paczkis. These sugary, fried rounds are similar to doughnuts. They are served powered, with granulated sugar or plain and filled with fruit, creams or jams.