King For a Day

Around the Epiphany (the 12th day of Christmas), there is the tradition of a "King's cake" which is prevalant throughout the Christian world. In France this is referred to as La Gallete De Rois.

La Galette is a flat, circular puff-pastry filled with an almond flavoured paste called frangipane. They sell them in literally every single boulangerie in France around the beginning of the year and can be served cold as I've always had it in the office with colleagues, but it's best when warmed slightly in the oven to make the pastry extra-crisp.

There is a small figurine inside which traditionally represents Baby Jesus (in this case, erm... Tintin) and the person who finds it in their slice is King for the day!

To keep the surprise the youngest person is supposed to stand in the corner or get under the table and call the name of the next person to be served.

And the person who gets the figurine of course has to wear the paper hat that comes with the galette.

Best served with a chilled glass of cider.