Galette des Rois | King's Cake

The Galette des Rois (King's cake) is a wonderful French tradition that is not only a sweet winter treat but extends the Christmas holiday, creating an occasion to once again gather and raise a glass or two. It celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th, commemorating the three Kings' visit to Baby Jesus. French households normally eat the galette on the first Sunday of January, though many like to get together around the cake throughout the month of January, each time at a different home. This is what my husband did growing up, recalling how adults used this opportunity for more champagne while the children enjoyed apple cider.

The galette is made up of flaky layers of pâte feuilletée (puff pastry) and frangipane (almond paste filling). Hidden inside the cake is a fève (porcelain trinket), many so charming and worthy of being collected that families can end up with hundreds over time. A lot of French bakeries have replaced the porcelain fève, which was originally a broad bean, with plastic charms. Upon serving up the galette, whoever ends up with the prized slice is crowned king or queen for the day, dons a golden paper couronne (crown), and chooses their royal partner...

Last weekend, in accordance with French tradition, my younger boy slipped under the table and called out our names to direct the server while distributing each slice, essentially creating randomness in the serving. Beforehand (good thing my 7 year-old son isn't reading this -- yet!), my husband carefully searched for the slice with the fève to ensure it got to our older son, which further ensured some peace in the household following the ritual.

One last tradition worth noting is that long ago, upon cutting the cake it was common to reserve one slice of the galette for any unexpected person that might show up at the door. This piece was called the Part du Bon Dieu/Vierge/Pauvre or the share of God/Virgin Mary/the Poor...