La galette des rois - kings' cake

In Brussels, we celebrate the Epiphany by eating 'Galette des Rois'. It's a simple puff pastry tart filled with frangipane (see also French entry on frangipane). A 'bean' is hidden inside the filling, and whoever gets the bean is king of the party and has the enviable honour of wearing a paper crown.

I was a bit jealous when I found out the Italians celebrate Epiphany by giving small presents, said to be brought by La Befana - a mythical old lady who may represent Hecate herself... But even the tradition is of the Galette des Rois is pre-Christian, dating back to the Roman Saturnalia festival, according to the French version of Wikipedia.

In Brussels, most people seem to buy their galettes from the bakery, but Elle France has some nice recipe suggestions, including one made with chocolate and tea (in French)! You can find a more traditional recipe in English at Allrecipes.


Photo credit: Jytyl