Galette des Rois
The Christmas season doesn't end with New Year's Eve in France...no, it extends through this first week in January to the feast of the Epiphany. This is the moment of honor for the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. In celebration, the entire country - in homes, schools, work places - joins in to enjoy a culinary delight: the Galette des Rois. 
This is no ordinary cake...the Galette des Rois gives layers of buttery pastry and rich filling of frangipane (a delicious creamy, almond paste). Hidden inside the cake is the star of the show: the fève, a crude bean and a porcelain figurine. Enjoying the galette becomes a game of whose piece contains the fève...this lucky person becomes le roi (king) or la reine (queen).
In Provence, there is another version of the Galette des Rois: a brioche, crown-shaped ring, topped with colorful candied fruits - like jewels on a crown. 
The ritual of the Galette des Rois is reigned in by specific rules. It is important that the distribution of the cake is fair, as one piece will award the royal role. To ensure no one cheats and claims the fève unfairly, the cake is cut ceremoniously in equal parts and then hidden under a tea towel. The youngest child is invited to sit under the table. They call out names in the order they choose of everyone around table. As each name is called, slices are served accordingly. 
The room is inevitably filled with laughter and teasing as each person dives into their slice, hoping they are the lucky one. 
(No peeking!)
When the fève is found, the newly appointed king or queen is crowned (all Galette des Rois are sold with gold paper crowns). They wear their crown and choose their king or queen and share the crown.
Most people in France celebrate this tradition multiple times the first week in January - as invitations to "faire la galette" roll in. 
The Galette des Rois is a symbol of joy, family and the delicacies of a country steeped in culinary delights. If you find yourself in France in January, don't miss the chance to join in this beloved custom.
