I discovered this particular French tradition this week while at my nannying job. This is a pastry called 'Galette des Rois' (King's Cake), and is traditionally eaten on twelfth night (though they're still everywhere here in Paris!). Baked inside is some kind of favour - a bean or a small toy - and the person who finds it in their slice gets to wear a crown and be the king or queen.
The tradition dates back to around 14th century, but during the French Revolution they renamed it 'equality cake' because the word 'king' was a bit out of fashion!
It's puff pastry filled with frangipane and is yummy. As there's no one else in my flat to share this with, I've just demolished the whole thing, found the bean, and am contentedly sat being queen :) - Lucy
thank you for bringing back beautiful memories of my own nannying job of many years ago (early 70's). They are definitely delicious and you've captured this really well!
@tobybird Haha, they are expensive if you buy big ones here, but this is only an individual one, so it was only around 2,50. The ones to feed 8 people can be as much as 20 euros though! - Lucy
@fishers - I think I was extraordinarily lucky with my nannying job - I was even given a brand new car to drive, all expenses paid, so I could take the little girl to piano lessons etc, but I could also use it for myself.
