The galette des rois, also known as the king cake, is a traditional French pastry enjoyed during the Epiphany celebration. This delicious cake is believed to bring good fortune to the person who finds the hidden charm, or fève, inside. The galette des rois is characterized by its flaky puff pastry crust and almond filling, often flavored with orange blossom water or rum. This article aims to assist you in finding the best recipe and guide you through the process of making a delightful galette des rois that will impress your loved ones and make your Epiphany celebration truly memorable.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
TWELFTH NIGHT CAKE OR KING CAKE(GALETTE DES ROIS)
This is French and Western Swiss recipe served on Epiphany (January 6th) and is traditionally topped with a gold crown. The one who finds the hidden charm (or bean) in their slice gets to wear the crown!. The twelfth Night cake was born from a disagreement which matched bakers against pastry cooks in the 15th century. Each of them wanted to obtain the monopoly of the manufacture of the symbolic cake. Pastry-cooks are won. But Ce furent les pâtissiers qui l'emportèrent auprès du roi François 1er. But bakers could do something. Bakers played on the words : they invented the twelfth Night cake, which they offered to their customers the Epiphany's day. Each twelfth Night cake hides a charm. Who find the charm in his portion should offer the same twelfth Night cake (which he must pay) to other present persons. (History from http://www.prime.fr/en/history-epiphany-charms.php)
Provided by Artandkitchen
Categories Pie
Time 50m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out 1 block of puff pastry to form a 10-inch square. Using a sharp knife, cut out a 10-inch round, using a dinner plate as a guide.
- Repeat this step with the second block of puff pastry.
- To make the filling, combine milk, butter, sugar, vanilla and cornstarch. Add the three lightly beaten eggs and mix until well blended.
- Cook in a pot at low heat stirring continually until it thickens or prepare this in the microwave stopping from time to time to stir it (I prefer to prepare this in the microwave).
- Now take from the heat away, add grated lemon zest, rum and ground almonds.
- Stir all together well.
- To assemble, place the undecorated round of pastry on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread almond filling over the circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Using a pastry brush, glaze the border with lightly beaten egg.
- Place a trinket or dried bean in the filling.
- Place the second round of pastry over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
- Using a sharp paring knife, decorate one round with "s" cuts, like swirly spokes going from the centre to the edge of the round or make some cuts "v" shaped cuts with scissors.
- Glaze the top with lightly beaten egg.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Remove and bake for 30 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed up and is golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Decorate with the gold paper crown.
- Note: if it is your first time observing this tradition, don't forget to warn everyone about the hidden charm or bean!
GALETTE DES ROIS-KING CAKE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. With an electric beater, mix all the ingredients for the frangipane cream just until blended. On a slightly floured cold surface, cut 2 circles the size of dinner plates out of the puff pastry. Put one of them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush one inch around the edge of the circle with egg wash (beaten egg yolk). Spread half of the frangipane cream on the center and place the second circle on top matching the edges of the circles. Press all around the edges to glue them together. Press softly in the center to evenly spread the filling. If making 2 galettes use remaining cream and follow the same method for preparation.
- Decorate the galette with a fork, press edges together all around-no pricking. With the point of a knife, make any kind of design being careful not to go all the way through the puff pastry. Brush the surface with egg wash being careful no to get any on the sides.
- Bake the galette in the center of a preheated 450 degree oven for 15 minutes then 350 degrees for 30 minutes. For the last 5 minutes, sprinkle with powdered sugar and bake until golden brown. Serve warm with gold paper crown on top.
- For the tradition of Epiphany in the privacy of your kitchen cut the galette in as many parts as people in the party. In one of them, insert a little ceramic toy (big enough to prevent swallowing). In the old days, they used a dried fava bean, so to this day it is still called "la feve." Everyone picks 1 piece of galette the one who discovers the toy is made the king of the day and wears the crown. He picks a queen by putting the toy in her glass and everyone raises his or her glass and applauds. Same process in reverse if a lady finds the toy. Tradition says that the next party should be at the king's expense.
Tips:
- Use high-quality butter and flour for the best results.
- Make sure the butter is cold and firm before using it.
- Do not overwork the dough, or it will become tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the frangipane evenly.
- Bake the galette until the crust is golden brown and the frangipane is set.
- Let the galette cool slightly before serving.
Conclusion:
The galette des rois is a delicious and festive cake that is perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust, creamy frangipane filling, and hidden charm, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give this classic French cake a try.
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