If you are in France, it’s again time to celebrate … oui … bien sûr … more food! Don’t you love it? This time it’s all about a rich, almond cream (frangipane) enveloped by layers of light, flaky pastry (feuilleté).
Another joyful opportunity to bring friends and family around the table to share La Galette des Rois/The Kings’ Cake, takes place on the first Sunday of January or January 6th and recognizes Epiphany, the arrival of the three wise men (Magis). This special pastry’s history can be traced to Roman times.
During the French Revolution, the name was replaced with ‘Gâteau de l’Égalité’ (equality cake), as the word ‘king’ was a little out of fashion!
It’s so popular, many patisseries make the scrumptious cake through the entire month of January.
The cake is cut in the specific number of slices for the people present, with one extra symbolic slice for the first poor person passing by. The youngest child (or the most innocent adult, if no children are present, which can result in great hilarity) goes under the table and calls out who will receive each slice to ensure fair distribution. The greatest excitement comes when one person discovers la fève (a lucky charm) hidden in a single slice.
Bon appétit!
Click here to read an excellent account of the history and traditions of this special fête by my friend, Margo Lestz.
If you are celebrating this day anywhere else in the world where there are French-speakers and Francophiles…. Quebec? N’Awlins? and want to experience this tradition for yourself, check your local bakery for une galette or consider ordering online at websites like this one ~ The French Delights.
You’ll find all the beloved characters of my Love in Provence series enjoying their Galette des Rois today … and all three ebooks are on sale for .99 ( I know!) through January. If you haven’t immersed yourself in this series, now is the time! Or gift them to your friends! This link to The Promise of Provence will take you to all three bestselling novels! Happy reading too!
Join us in Blue Sky Book Chat (Facebook) on Saturday, January 8th, ALL DAY for our Cabin Fever event. Over 50 guest authors from all genres will be with our author team to offer fabulous giveaways …books, swag, chat! Connect with some favourites and meet new authors to you. It’s a party! Apart from entering for individual prizes, one Grand Prize will be randomly awarded from commenters. Check out the graphic below and see which prize you would choose! See you there! On y va! Bonne chance!
