Galette des Rois
With Christmas behind us, we are looking forward to eating some exciting and delicious food this new year. We are excited to share our first new creation of 2020, the Galette des Rois also known as the ‘Kings Cake’.
If you are in France in January, you will probably have noticed this delicious cake in a local supermarché (supermarket), boulangerie (bakery) or pâtisserie (pastry shop). Often topped with a gold paper crown, this is a staple in French households. It is flaky, sweet and utterly scrumptious.
The Tradition of Galette des Rois
The joy that comes from a Galette des Rois isn’t from its taste alone, it’s also the anticipation of wondering whether you will be the lucky one around the table to discover la fève (tiny charm) hidden inside one of the slices. This was once a fava bean but is now typically a porcelain or plastic figurine. As health and safety is always top priority at The Butler’s Pantry, we will be giving you la fève separately so that you can hide it in one of the slices! If you find the charm, you are declared le roi (the king) or la reine (the queen) and you get to wear the golden paper couronne (crown) that comes with cake.
Children and adults can become quite competitive about winning la fève and many people collect them. Don’t be surprised if playful accusations of cheating occur! To ensure that fairness ensues, the youngest person at the table climbs under the table and calls out the name of the person to receive the slice so that the server cannot be accused of choosing favorites.
The Galette des Rois is a 700 year old tradition and is typically served on January 6th which is the 12th day of Christmas to celebrate the Epiphany. The Epiphany is a religious feast day to commemorate the Three Kings arrival when Jesus was born in the manger. Nowadays it is enjoyed regardless of religious background and all through the month of January.
Recipe with a difference
Our Galette des Rois is based on a traditional recipe from northern France. It’s made with a deliciously light pâte feuilleté (puff pastry) and a dense, creamy almond paste called frangipane. Our puff pastry is made using the incredible ‘An Leabhar’ pastry butter, read more here. Bring one home to your family this week and let the fun begin! Ideal for both home and office catering this French desert can be a great addition to your culinary range this year.
If you require any further information on Galette des Rois or our catering services, then please contact us.
Happy new year from all of us at The Butler’s Pantry!
