In many french speaking countries today is “Le jour des Rois”, it refers to “les Rois Mages” (the three wise men who found baby Jesus). It is also known as Epiphany. Traditionally, on this day, a special cake is made: “la galette des rois” and inside the cake a bean (or coin) is hidden. The person who gets the bean is crowned king for the day.
Depending on the region of France the recipe varies, but the most widely used one is called a Pithyvier. It is a rather dry cake made out of flaky dough and filled with an almond mixture.
Over the years I have made many different cakes for this occasion, always with two beans, to have a king and a queen. But this year I decided to buy it ready made. I found a Pithyvier and was pleased to see they even included a pretty crown with it. I was disappointed to see they only had one “winner” but decided to be grown up about it, thinking I could insert an extra bean from underneath…I asked the baker if it was a bean or a coin…and was surprised to learn they use Disney figurines.!!! I am still trying to find a link between Minnie mouse and the magi…
