When it comes to King Cakes, there’s some serious confusion among the royal subjects.
What most Americans consider to be the real deal (if they’ve heard of it at all) is the New Orleans style King Cake — a type of brioche (think glamorized coffee cake) that’s braided into a circle, slathered with frosting and a few tosses of purple, orange and green sugar for good measure.
But in Europe, its the Galette Des Rois that reigns supreme during January’s “Epiphany”, celebrating the 12th day after Christ’s birth when the wisemen finally got around to paying their respects. Like the King Cake, it includes a hidden surprise for some lucky nibbler to crack their tooth on, but is made instead with a flaky butter crust (think croissants) filled with an almond pastry cream called Frangipane.
It’s up to the baker what to hide in the cake — from a bean to a plastic baby or religious figure — but universally accepted that the winner of this edible Where’s Waldo game gets to be King (or Queen) for the day then become obligated to buy the next year’s cake (or worse, host the party).
How do you celebrate?
| War of the King Cakes | |
|---|---|
| King Cake | Galette Des Rois |
| Contains potential choking/tooth-breaking hazard disguised as a cute baby | Contains potential choking/tooth-breaking hazard disguised as a cute baby |
| Includes stylish crown | Includes stylish crown |
| Requires “winner” to pay for next year’s cake/party | Requires “winner” to pay for next year’s cake/party |
| Has religious symbolism related to partying your pants off before Lent | Has religious symbolism related to Three Wisemen/Epiphany |
| Usually found in: New Orleans | Usually found in: France |
| Available from late Jan. to March | Available in early January |
| Filled with: Cream cheese, dried fruit, mystery objects | Filled with: Almond-flavored pastry cream |
| Most resembles: Coffee Cake | Most resembles: Croissant |
| Best eaten when drunk | Best eaten with French press coffee |
| Dolled up with: Green, yellow and purple sugar; Mardi Gras beads | Dolled up with: Butter. Butter. And more butter |
Purveyors
Galette Des Rois
Chloe’s French Cafe: Alain will be making King’s Cake through the month of January. Each one serves 10 and comes with a hidden “feve” and a King’s crown. $28.50 per cake. BiteClub tested and approved. 3883 Airway Dr., Ste 145, Santa Rosa, 528-3095.
Dominique’s Sweets: Saturday, January 9, 2010 pre-order only at for pick up at the Santa Rosa Farm market. $20, serves 10 people. Order online at dominiquesweets.com) or call 707.843.9765.
New Orlean’s Style King Cake
Available in February at the Epicurean Connection/Sonoma, 707-935-7960.
That is really interesting. It provided me a number of ideas and I’ll be writing them on my website soon. I’m bookmarking your website and I’ll be back. Thanks again!
the original king cake from new orleans was either a yeast dough or a brioche dough. today you see laminated doughs like a danish type of application.
both have white frosting and the colors of mardi gras, purple, green and gold.
back in the day, the folks with money used a porcalain doll and the others used a pecan.
Kings Day is the 1st day of mardi gras. SO HAPPY MARDI GRAS and GEAUX SAINTS!!!!
I just baked a Kings Cake for Epiphany this week–hadn’t baked anything with yeast in at least 15 years and it turned out great! Mine didn’t have any filling other than cinnamon and sugar and it resembled a huge ring of cinnamon roll. Everyone loved it and took seconds home after our Epiphany gathering. I think I’ll bake it again for Mardi Gras.
the galette des rois from Chez Chloe is very, very good.
THANKS, MS BITE . . .
email my mom now, to have her send me my yearly king cake. it will go great w/ the Cochon De Lait and red beans and rice we’re having for the saints game next saturday. GEAUX SAINTS!!!
Great news~! I grew up in France and although make my own King’s Cake, it’s sure nice to have a source for it, so that I don’t have to! THanks, Alain.
P.S. I never got the bean : ( – maybe this tiem!