OMS Indianapolis kicked off the new year with its annual King Cake feast. These delicious and colorful brioche cakes are part of a tradition enjoyed by their team for the past ten years. Finding the baby in their cake was an added bonus!
What is a King Cake?
This delightful confection is a cross between a French pastry and a coffee cake. Its braided cinnamon-flavored dough is topped with sweet icing and adorned in royal colors of purple, green, and gold sugar. The colors signify justice, faith, and power. In Mexican culture, the cake is called Rosca de Reyes. The French refer to it as galette de rois. Though many countries enjoy their own version, the common element of these cakes is the gem, of fève, hidden inside its decadent layers. Each person who takes a slice of King Cake looks for a tiny plastic baby hidden inside. Discovering the baby has become part of a light-hearted competition, for the one who finds it is honored with good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.
History of the King Cake
When and where did the King Cake fun begin? It is believed the cake itself originated in France and was presented in the U.S. in 1870. The French version is an almond puff pastry topped with a paper crown. Introduced to New Orleans, Louisiana more than 150 years ago, today’s cakes are ring-shaped, symbolizing a king’s crown. Traditionally served on January 6, known as King’s Day, these tasty delights are consumed from the beginning of Carnival season through Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, February 21.
Whatever prompts you to partake in this delectable tradition, tasting a King Cake is an experience you don’t want to miss.