-Featured Dessert-

New Orleans

Traditional King Cake

 ~History~

"The Mardi Gras or Carnival season officially begins on January 6th, or the 'Twelfth Night', also known to

Christians as the 'Epiphany'.  Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means 'to show'.  Jesus first showed

himself to the three wise men and to the world on this day.  As a symbol of this Holy Day, a tiny plastic baby

is placed inside each King Cake. 

The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870.  A King Cake is

an oval-shaped bakery delicacy; a cross between a coffee cake and a French pastry that is as rich in history as it

is in flavor.  It's decorated in royal colors of PURPLE, which signifies 'Justice'; GREEN for 'Faith'; and GOLD

for 'Power'.  These colors were chosen to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the Wise Men who visited the

Christ Child on Epiphany.  In the past such things as coins , beans, pecans or peas were also hidden in King Cakes.

Today, a tiny plastic baby is the common prize.  At a party, the King Cake is sliced and served.  Each person looks

to see if their piece contains the baby.  If so, that person is named king [or queen] for a day, and bound by custom to

host the next party, and provide the King Cake. 

Mardi Gras Day has a moveable date and may occur on any Tuesday from February 3rd to March 9th.  It is

always the day before Ash Wednesday, and always falls 46 days before Easter."

Bon Appetite, and

Laissez les bon temps rouler.

    

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