Doris looks on as I make the first slice into the King Cake—a rich brioche bread with fruit fillings often topped with a glaze and sprinkles and implanted with a small, plastic figurine.
Yesterday being January 6, Epiphany in the Christian tradition, I was invited to dinner with a family that observes the Mexican version. In Spanish it’s called Dia de Los Reyes or Day of the Three Wise Men. The celebration marks the arrival of the Wise Men, bearing gifts and a time for further gift giving. And eating!
That’s where the King Cake (or Bread) comes in. Now I’ve eaten the crown-shaped cake from New Orleans several times, but never a homemade one. My friend Eloisa made eight this year for family and friends! Last night she graciously invited me to share in the cake cutting and dinner.
A Tasty Tradition
So where did such a tasty tradition come? Baked in each cake is a tiny, plastic, baby Jesus figurine. The finder enjoys good luck that comes with the discovery. But in the Mexican version of the celebration, whoever finds the baby must take the figurine to the nearest church on February 2 (Candlemas Day). And is responsible for hosting a dinner and providing tamales to the guests. Hmm. . . the “losers” get to eat cake and await their invitation to the next feast.
First We Dine
Watching the meal progress
Guacamole disappears quickly
Robin and JC. Yes, it takes two to carve. One to cut and the other to instruct in finger safety. Serrano ham (in photo) is a dry-cured Spanish ham, that’s been considered a delicacy since early Roman times.
JC, my sweet son-in-law, tolerates my advice on cutting the ham. Serrano reminds me a lot of the Smithfield hams of my youth, that were always served thinly sliced.
Zucchini Soup
Pork Mole
Carrot and Currant Salad with Lime dressing
Let the Search Begin!
Robin and Tracy delve further in search of the figurine.
After we’ve each had a few slices, Eloisa and David’s high-school son makes the discovery with his third piece of cake!
Get Your King Cake
King Cake is served from January 6 through Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). So grab a cake and a few friends and celebrate. You can find a King Cake at La Patisserie Chouquette; Federhofer Baker in Afton; Whole Foods in Brentwood and Chesterfield; Diana’s Bakery; Missouri Baking Company; and Pint Size Bakery.
