Joel and I have recently taken part in the French ritual of the King Cake. Traditionally celebrating Epiphany in France and Quebec this pastry is served in most bakeries during the month of January to "Draw the Kings". Each family sized pastry has a layer of frangipane (sweet almond paste) and is cut into pizza slices. Hidden within the cake is a trinket or tiny figurine, whoever finds the prize in their piece becomes king for the day, wears the crown and is to offer the next cake. Traditionally you are to cut one extra piece "for the poor" and it was served to the first poor person to arrive to the home (I guess that would be me, I'm never one to waste food anyways).
This delicious dessert is quite a popular custom here in Lyon, you can find them in every shop window in different sizes and flavours. Joel said he even spotted someone at work sporting the crown after their lunch break.
I found this recipe for anyone feeling ambitious enough to make their own; RECIPE
For those wondering, the prize was found in my piece but Joel had already gone to bed for the night so my reign as King was uneventful and short-lived.
THANKS GUYS!
Joel & Amy
