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 or less the same as in the 14th century: it's about replacing the water contained in the fruit with sugar through a process of multiple sugar baths.Melon, cherries, lemons, mandarins, pineapple, citron and even angelica root can be used. The fruit is carefully selected and prepared to embellish this pretty cake ring. Tradition has it that he who finds the lucky charm chooses his queen… and invites his friends to enjoy the next King Cake. A never-ending story!

In France, this round brioche perfumed with orange-flower water is decorated with candied fruits which are meant to represent the crown jewels. A land of sunshine and orchards, Provence quite naturally has become the favorite land for candied fruit , and Apt its capital. In 1348, Pope Clement VI even awarded the Apt confectioner Auzias Maseta with the title Lord of Confectionary. Today the candying technique is more

Confiserie Richaud
quartier Saint Joseph.
406, av Saignon Apt.
Tel. : 04 90 74 13 56. Confiserie Ceccon
24, quai de la Liberté.
Apt.
Tel. : 04 90 74 21 90.

and the Saturnalia, a winter solstice festival which celebrated the lengthening days. During these Pantagruelian banquets, a bean - black or white, the same as that which was used for the different votes in civic Roman life - was hidden in a cake stuffed with figs, dates and honey. He who found it became the king of the festival and could choose his queen. It appears that this tradition arrived in France with the Avignon Popes. It only truly became established in the 14th century, and the pastry took its name from the ancient régime's King Cake, as it was offered at the same time as the tax paid to the seigneur.

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By Elodie Liénard - Photos DR - January 7, 2012

France is split in two. South of the Loire valley, the frangipani based "galette des rois" - the Epiphany festival's traditional pastry - is replaced by the "gateau des rois,” a ring-shaped brioche decorated with candied fruits.

The tradition of King Cakes has a double origin. First and foremost a Christian one, since the Epiphany - which is traditionally celebrated on January 6, or by convention on the first Sunday in January - symbolizes the presentation of Jesus to the Three Wise Men. According to tradition, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar followed a star brighter than the others - the Star of Bethlehem - which guided them to the infant Jesus' crib. They then proclaimed him the new King of the Jews. But no puff pastry or brioche was in the Magi's bags! To find a trace of this pastry, one must go back to Roman times

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