La Galette des Rois is a cake celebrating Epiphany on January 6th
. In France and Quebec, the cakes can be found in bakeries from around
Christmas and during the month of January.
Two
versions exist: in northern France and Quebec the cake (which can be either
circular or rectangular) consists of flaky puff pastry layers with a dense
center of frangipane. In the south of France, particularly in Occitania and
Roussillon, the cake, called gâteau des rois or royaume, is a torus-shaped brioche with candied fruits, very
similar to the Catalan tortell. This version of the cake originates in Provence
and predates the northern version.
Tradition
holds that the cake is “to draw the kings” to the Epiphany. A figurine, la fève,
which can represent anything from a car to a cartoon character, is hidden in
the cake and the person who finds the trinket in their slice becomes King or a
Quinn for the day and will have to offer the next cake. Originally, la fève was a broad bean (“fève”
= broad bean, literally), but it was replaced in 1870 by a variety of figurines
out of porcelain or plastic. These figurines have become popular collectibles
and can often be bought separately. Individual bakeries may offer a specialized
line of fèves depicting diverse themes
from great works of art to classic movie stars and popular cartoon characters.
A
paper crow (couronne) is included with the cake to crown the “King” or a
“Quinn” who finds the fève
in their piece of cake.
To
ensure a random distribution of the cake shares, it is traditional for the
youngest person to place themselves under the table and name the recipient of
the share which is indicated by the person in charge of the service.
The
French President is not allowed to “draw the kings” on Epiphany because of the etiquette rules. Therefore, a
traditional galette without figurine or crown is served at Elys é
e Palace in January. (Adapted from Wikipedia)
Try to make a galette. It's quick and easy - a real piece of cake!
Get the free recipe here or watch it below.
Try to make a galette. It's quick and easy - a real piece of cake!
Get the free recipe here or watch it below.
How
to eat la gallete des rois?
J'aime
la galette! - song
L'histoire de Roule Galette
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