Galette des Rois: A Crown Jewel of French Pastry

Introduction

The Galette des Rois, or King Cake, is a beloved French tradition enjoyed annually around Epiphany. This flaky, buttery pastry, filled with frangipane, hides a small ceramic figurine known as a fève. Whoever finds the fève is crowned the King or Queen for the day, adding a touch of whimsy and excitement to the occasion. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, traditions, and recipe of this iconic French dessert.

The History of Galette des Rois

The origins of the Galette des Rois can be traced back to ancient Rome. The Roman festival of Saturnalia, celebrated in December, involved a feast with a hidden bean in a cake. The person who found the bean was crowned King of the Feast for a day. When Christianity spread throughout Europe, the festival evolved into the Feast of Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The tradition of the hidden bean was incorporated into the Christian celebration, symbolizing the search for Christ.

Over time, the bean was replaced by a small figurine, often depicting a baby Jesus or a shepherd. Today, the fève comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional religious figures to popular characters and objects.

The Tradition of Galette des Rois

The Galette des Rois is traditionally enjoyed on Epiphany, which falls on January 6th. However, it is customary to eat it throughout the month of January. Families and friends gather to share the cake, creating a joyful and communal atmosphere.

Before cutting the cake, it is customary to designate the youngest person present as the “King’s advisor.” The advisor hides under the table and calls out the names of those who will receive each slice. This adds an element of surprise and excitement to the occasion.

Whoever finds the fève is crowned King or Queen for the day and wears a paper crown that often comes with the cake. The crown symbolizes the wearer’s temporary reign and authority to make wishes or assign tasks to the others.

Making Your Own Galette des Rois

Creating a homemade Galette des Rois is a rewarding experience that allows you to share this cherished tradition with loved ones. While it may seem intimidating, the process is relatively simple and the results are undeniably delicious.

Ingredients:

• For the pastry:
  • 250g unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 250g all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 50ml ice water
• For the frangipane filling:
  • 125g unsalted butter, softened
  • 125g almond powder
  • 125g sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon flour
• For decoration:
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pastry:
   • In a food processor, combine the flour and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
   • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.   
2. Make the frangipane:
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond powder, almond extract, and flour.   
3. Assemble the galette:
   • Divide the dough into two equal parts.
   • Roll out one part of the dough into a large circle on a lightly floured surface.
   • Spread the frangipane evenly over the dough, leaving a border of about 2 inches.
   • Place the fève in the center of the frangipane.
   • Roll out the second part of the dough into a circle and place it on top of the frangipane.
   • Trim the edges and crimp them together to seal.
   • Brush the top of the galette with beaten egg and decorate with sliced almonds.
4. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bake the galette for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips for Making the Perfect Galette des Rois

• Use cold butter for the pastry to ensure a flaky texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough pastry.
• Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.
• For a richer flavor, use blanched almond powder for the frangipane.
• Be creative with your fève choices! You can use small toys, figurines, or even dried beans.

Serving and Enjoying Galette des Rois

Traditionally, the Galette des Rois is served with a simple dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However, you can also experiment with different toppings, such as chocolate sauce, caramel, or fresh fruit.

When serving the cake, follow the traditional custom of designating a “King’s advisor” to call out the names of those who will receive each slice. This adds an element of fun and anticipation to the occasion.

Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a special treat at home, the Galette des Rois is a delightful way to celebrate the spirit of Epiphany and share a delicious piece of French heritage.