THE “GALETTE DES ROIS”

Arselin Jeanne

• Galette des Rois means Cake of the Kings!

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• It is a French cake made with flaky, buttery pastry filled with frangipane, a sweet almond cream.

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• This cake hides a fève, a little figurine inside, and is sold with a paper crown...

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• Besides frangipane, it can take different forms and flavors.

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• It is eaten throughout January, pretty much everywhere, either with family or at school.

WHAT IS A “GALETTE DES ROIS”?

DIFFERENT VARIATIONS:

The traditional flavor : the sweet almond cream filling.

In the South, it is a soft, crown-shaped brioche with orange blossom flavor and candied fruits.

We can find exciting variations like pistachio.

MY EXPERIENCES:

I once tried a Galette des Rois with yuzu…

Or even red bean.

Unfortunately, both were disappointing.

Above all, my favorite is chocolate!

THE CROWN AND THE “FÈVE”:

• Inside the Galette des Rois is a hidden figurine.

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• Traditionally, the youngest person at the table hides under the table and decides who gets each slice to ensure the pieces are distributed fairly.

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• The person who finds it in their slice becomes the king and receives the golden paper crown!

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• The king must then choose a queen from the other participants. It is also sometimes said that the king must offer the next Galette des Rois.

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• Many people has their own fève collection.

AN EXCEPTION FOR THE GOVERNMENT:

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• At the Élysée Palace, there is no fève in the Galette because France is a democracy. Thus, no one is crowned king, not even for fun!

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• It is also because Epiphany has religious origin, while French Republic calls for the separation of religious symbols from state.

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• Each year, a giant Galette is made by a different independent baker to highlight the skills of France's artisan bakers.

WHEN AND WHERE TO EAT?

The Galette des Rois is produced only throughout January, especially around the day called Epiphany, on January 6th.

It is sold in bakeries, supermarkets, and even served in school canteens and workplaces! Every local municipalities organize Galette events for citizens.

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It is often enjoyed several times with family and friends.

• It is a Christian holiday which commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the newborn Jesus.

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• The tradition originally started during the Middle Ages.

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• It also marks the end of Christmas and the beginning of the new year.

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• Today, it has no longer a religious meaning for many.

WHAT IS EPIPHANY?

IF YOU WANT TO TRY IT:

This website lists places in Nagoya where you might find this cake. I have never been there, so I am not sure if it is good...

If you have the chance to go to Paris during January, is there my favorite bakery. Please try its Galette des Rois!

CHUNOGE.COM/1011/

MAPS.APP.GOO.GL/KHVUNRT2FQNK69ZY8

Arselin Jeanne

Thank you for reading. I am waiting for your comments or questions.