Let them eat more cake

Today is Epiphany and la fête des Rois - Feast day of the Three Kings, Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspard. The fact that the Bible does not mention that they were kings (they were magi or wise men), or that there were three of them (three gifts are mentioned) or indeed that they had names, does not deter the French from celebrating with more food… in this case a galette or a gâteau des Rois. The galette is made from flaky pastry and frangipane while the gâteau – more traditional in the south of France - is a brioche topped with sugar and candied fruit.


This treat is usually reserved for children (mince alors!), who invite their friends around to share it. According to custom, one child crouches under the table while the cake is being cut and calls out the name of the person to whom he wants the slice to be given. Because, you see, this is no ordinary cake. Somebody who obviously didn't like children came up with the idea of concealing a hard, dry bean (la fève) and a tiny porcelain figurine inside. The children who find these in their slices are crowned King and Queen for the day with the golden paper crown provided, which is meagre compensation if they've just broken their teeth on the china ornament or, worse, swallowed it...



You have been warned...