What does des Rois mean?
The “Galette des Rois” is a cake traditionally shared at Epiphany, on 6 January. It celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem. It is composed of a puff pastry cake, with a small charm hidden inside. The cake is generally filled with frangipane.
What is the origin of the Galette des Rois?
France
King cake/Origins
Who invented Galette des Rois?
Today, no galette des rois without a charm. The tradition comes from the 14th century when, for the first time, in Besancon (Eastern France) monks began to elect their chief chapter by putting a gold coin in a piece of bread.
How was called the Galette des Rois during the French Revolution?
According to tradition the cake was to draw the kings to the Epiphany. Interestingly during the French Revolution the name was changed to Gâteau de l’egalité (equality cake) because it wasn’t really the done thing to be a king at that time.
What unique thing is in a galette des rois?
The Galette des Rois, the King’s Cake, is a frangipane tart made with buttery puff pastry and is made throughout France to celebrate Epiphany. Traditionally, a trinket known as a ‘fève’ is hidden inside the galette des rois in much the same way as a sixpence was hidden in an English plum pudding.
How do you celebrate galette des rois?
Serving Traditions Tradition dictates that when serving galette des rois, the entire cake should be divided such that each guest receives a slice, plus an extra, symbolic slice for any unexpected visitor, or poor person, that should pass by.
What tradition surrounds the galette des rois?
The Galette des Rois. This is a dessert steeped in 300 years of French tradition, with practices surrounding the making and serving of the cake differing from family to family. Historically, a bean or fève is placed inside the galette, bestowing upon the finder the title of King or Queen for the day.
What is special about the galette des rois offered to the president of France?
As opposed to this generous take on the festivities, the galettes des rois presented to the president of France by local bakers contain no féves, so there is no chance the president is seen as being “crowned as king” in case he gets the trinket in his slice.
What’s the difference between Crostata and galette?
Crostata refers to the Italian version of this dish, whereas galette is the French version. What is this? A tart (or pie) generally is made in a pie shell with sides giving it some structure, whereas a crostata or galette is baked flat on parchment paper atop a cookie sheet or sheet pan.
When is the galette des rois in France?
In France, on Epiphany, the tradition on January 6 is to share a cake called a “Galette des Rois” (Cake of Kings). Epiphany is when the the Magi (three wise men or three kings) visited the baby Jesus. If you are travelling in France in December and early January, leading up to this date, you will see numerous cakes in boulangerie window displays.
Why does the king of France wear a galette?
French bakeries sell the Galette with a paper golden crown. The king of the day is supposed to wear the crown as a symbol of royalty. Even if becoming a king for one day does not have a real influence, children (and adults!) still get excited about it because of the fun of it.
What kind of cake is Le Gateau des rois?
Le Gateau des Rois, especially popular in the south of France, it is a crown shaped brioche filled with candied fruits.Though, the Galette des Rois is now a celebration of epiphany, the tradition of tirer les rois, existed before the development of Christian church.
What was the name of the French king cake?
The Galette des Rois became Galette de l’Egalité, or Equality Cake, and the day of the Kings became the day of the Sans-Culottes (French revolutionaries from lower classes). These changes were temporary, and soon Galette was back on every French table!