What I didn't talk about way back then was King Cakes! Those delicious rotundra's of creamy icing and sugar filled with a variety ranging from cinnamon and coffee flavors to pineapple and apple. All of it adds up to a delectable dessert associated with one of my favorite cultural celebrations!
Originally, the King Cake was created to represent the trek of the Three Kings to see the Christ Child. The Kings walked in circles to confuse Herod's assassins who were following them and arrived twelve days after the child's birth (known as Twelfth Night or King's Day). A coin, pea or bean was placed inside the cake and the person who found it was crowned King for the day and was supposed to have good luck in the coming year.
In Lousiana, Twelfth Night signifies the beginning of carnival season which ends on Mardi Gras Day (Mardi Gras is french for Fat Tuesday).The coin, pea or bean has been replaced with a small plastic baby which symbolizes baby Jesus. Whoever finds the baby is expected to host next year's festivities and provide the King Cake as well!
It's delicious, but after looking at a few recipes, I think I'll just stick to buying mine.
Cheers and Happy Lent to those sacrificing and fasting this season!
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