Galette des Rois

We hadn't even finished our bûche de noël before it was time to taste another year-end delicacy: the galette des rois. Traditionally served around Epiphany (Jan. 6), the galette des rois or "king cake" makes reference to the three kings or magi who bestowed gifts upon baby Jesus, signifying recognition of his sanctity by non-Jews.

Adoration of the Magi by Bernardino Luini, 1520-1525, as viewed (conveniently) in the Louvre last Friday

The cake is composed of an outer pastry crust and a filling of frangipane, within which is placed a tiny plastic figurine.

Whoever gets the figurine in his or her portion is crowned "King" (or "Queen") for the evening. Eden was the first winner.

While we only had one bûche de noël, we somehow managed to consume three galettes des rois. That's because at first we thought it was a New Year's Eve dish, then thought it should be served on the Sunday closest to January 6, then decided we definitely needed to have on January 6. JP was crowned King for the second and third galettes.

My favorite is the airplane.

Next time, we'll have to try the elusive and rare chocolate galette des rois, which we only ever saw at the Galeries Lafayette épicerie . . .