Just as people around the world are wrapping up a week of celebrations and looking forward to the new year, France is quietly welcoming yet another holiday – the celebration of Epiphany.  According to legend, this festival is held in commemoration of a visit made by three kings to baby Jesus. The Epiphany is held on the first Sunday in January. Family and friends in France come together to celebrate by eating Galette des Rois, also known as King Cake in English-speaking countries.

The Epiphany is also called Three Kings’ Day. Early in the nineteenth century, royalty, broad beans, and thin pancakes were all symbolic of respect shown to the great sages. Over time, and throughout history, these three symbols merged into what is now King Cake.

People may be curious about the history behind the placing of a broad bean (fève in French) inside of King Cake when it is baked. This custom originated in ancient Rome when who found the bean in his piece of cake was selected as the new leader. Although leaders are no longer selected in this way, the custom has been preserved over the centuries and is now part Epiphany day celebrations. The bean has been replaced by small porcelain figurines representing Jesus and others. Many bakeries have created their own sets of figurines representing diverse themes and have become collectors’ items for many people.

In northern France, King Cake is round and made with flaky pastry often filled with frangipane. In the south, King Cake is formed into the shape of a King’s crown and filled with fruit. What hidden within both types of cake, is a small porcelain figurine, and on top of the cake is a crown. This is closely related to the way to enjoy it.

King Cake is a true festival cake that portends good luck in the new year. Not only does it pair well with sweet white wine, it also complements a more solemn champagne. Most of all, it’s at the heart of Epiphany Day rituals like the following:

1. The youngest child at the celebration must crawl underneath the table,
2. Ensuring the child cannot see what is happening above the table, the cake is cut into many equal-size pieces,
3. According to tradition, an extra piece is always cut to be given to the first beggar who comes to the door. This is to display the generosity and goodness of the host.
4. As each piece of cake is cut, the child under the table decides who is going to eat it.
5. The person lucky enough to find the small figurine in his or her piece of cake wins the crown and gets to be king or queen for a day. Furthermore, he or she will enjoy an extra measure of good fortune in the new year.

King Cake is an ideal choice for starting out the new year with family and friends. It’s not only delicious, it’s rich in both tradition and meaning. If you would like to order King Cake, please contact Shanghai Young Bakers. Details are as follows:

8”              4 to 6 people                            148 yuan

10”           6 to 8 people                             178 yuan

12”           10 to 12 people                         238 yuan

Small order deliveries will be made on the following fixed dates: January 5^th, 12^th, 13^th, and 19^th.

Only 25¥ transport fee for all small orders.

Please place your order by Wednesday 6:00 PM on the week of your delivery.

Large orders of 800 yuan or more, should be placed 3 days in advance and can be delivered any day of the week except Tuesday and Wednesday.

To place an order please contact us by email, phone, or WeChat.
Email: baking@shanghaiyoungbakers.com
Tel: 136 8168 7194