Celebrating the Epyphany, an ancient custom.
And the most fun French tradition!
I’m once again interrupting my scheduled programming because of some unforeseen circumstance… Indeed, a January childhood tradition that usually consists of baking my absolute favorite cake in the world has turned into an obsessive spiral and I just HAD to share. This year, French bakers have decided to adapt to our circumstances and it’s become trendy to sell individual cakes. I HAD to try baking that new version, plus the original one, plus another one just because… It’s my pleasure to share with you the culture around; The Epiphany and its King’s Cake!
Each year, on January 6th, millions of families in France and Belgium partake in this fun and ancient custom. The holiday of the Epiphany depicts the adoration of baby Jesus by the Three Kings; Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar. Romans were already celebrating it in the Middle Ages. They would hide a bean in the galette and if a servant or slave bit into it, he would be crowned king for a week with the ability to see any wish come true. He could order his master around and even ask for his freedom back! This tradition had for goal to strengthen the relations between the rich families and their domestics. The game evolved over the centuries and because the “king” was expected to buy a drink to everyone around the table, that little bean often got swallowed…
"Le Gateau des Rois”, Jean-Baptiste Geuze, 1774.
In the Nineteenth century, the bean is slowly replaced by a porcelain charm. The original name of “fève”, meaning “bean”, remained. The little figures got so popular that they sparked a whole industry! People enjoy collecting them and some bakers get fancy with themes. Others have used ingenious marketing strategies to sell even more!
In January 1997, I happened to be living next to the most popular bakery in town and they were organizing a contest: That year, 3 of their galettes would contain a gold fève . My mom was not about to buy more than one galette and being a nerdy collector, I had already decided I would spend my own money if that’s what it took. I remember it very well because I happen to find the gold prize at my first bite! Yes, it’s true!!! I will never forget that little golden character that I cherished for years… An object so special that I placed it in a “very good spot” that no one, not even myself, could ever discover again. It’s lost. For now. But mark my words, I will be back to prove it! Until I can clear my name, here are the fèves I’ve accumulated over the course of 15 years of galette eating. They’re so cute!
You can purchase some adorable personalized feves from this French Etsy shop!
To the American standards, these can be down right dangerous, don’t you think? Research shows that cosmetic dentists also love this holiday.
People eat galette throughout the entire month of January and it is so popular that over 30 million galettes are sold each year in France! It is made of puffed pastry and stuffed with “frangipane” or almond cream. Unique in taste and looks, it is unlike anything I’ve ever seen sold in the U.S.! The recipe is easy and well worth your time. Your family or guests will be so impressed!
The recipe is just 5 easy steps;
-Make almond cream (3 eggs and the same weight in sugar and almond powder. Add 10% of corn starch and mix)
-Spread on a puff pastry circle, leaving 1 inch border. Brush the sides with eggs yolk.
-Cover with the second circle.
-Brush with egg yolk. You can also make a design with the tip of a knife gliding ever so slightly over the dough.
-Bake at 350 for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
There are 3 reasons I love this tradition: The cake tastes amazing, we share it through a playful game with family or friends and participating perpetuates a 13th century Pagan tradition. I don’t understand how this never made its way to America! My wish for this post is to spread awareness about this beautiful custom that brings communities and families together.
If you are not in a baking mood, you could also pay a visit to Cafe Madelaine in Jersey City where they sell the authentic King’s cake.
Thank you for reading me this week. I hope you enjoyed learning about the special celebration and I hope you try it for yourselves and comment below!
Next week, I will talk about how to achieve a stylish and sophisticated home décor. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter if you like updates!
See you soon.