Fête des Rois: Let us all eat cake!

Epiphany, or the Feast of the Magi—known as Fête des Rois—falls on January 6. Twelfth Night takes place on this day and the 12 Days of Christmas come to a close. Most of Europe celebrates this holiday and, since the Magi, or Three Kings, brought their legendary gifts to the Christmas Baby on this day, it’s customary to give a present to young children. For centuries, France has carried forward the tradition with an Epiphany cake—galette des roi—which can be enjoyed on January 6 or throughout the month of January . All this week patisseries and sweet shops showcase their own specialties of this delicious cake, which is made with pastry dough and almond cream. What makes it extra special is the “feve,” or prize, hidden in the cake. (Traditionally a bean, the feve, was used as the prize, and the name has stuck.) A coin or tiny ceramic king is baked into the pastry today and whoever happens to find it in their piece becomes “king for the day!”

As Chocolatine wishes you a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year, we also hope you enjoy this delightful tradition— and may the feve be yours to discover!