A big thank you to Shaheen Peerbhai – renowned pastry chef and the founder/owner of Miel Bakery in Warren Street London – for sending me this wonderful Galette des Rois freshly baked. You can probably imagine just how delicious it tastes: an all-butter puff pastry baked until extra crisp, with an almond vanilla pastry cream inside. They’re on sale at the start of each year, and if you can get to the bakery this weekend (6th – 7th January 2024) you’ll be able to buy one. A great gift too, they freeze well and keep and room temperature easily.
The French “Gâteau des Rois,” a regal pastry steeped in history, is a culinary emblem of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th. Its origins trace back to the Roman Saturnalia festival, where a king for a day was chosen by a hidden fève, or bean, in a cake. This tradition, blending pagan and Christian customs, evolved into the Twelfth Night celebration.
By the 14th century, this cake, known in France as the “Galette des Rois,” began to symbolize the biblical Three Kings. The fève, originally a literal bean, transformed over time into a small porcelain or plastic figurine, adding a playful element of surprise. The lucky finder becomes king or queen for the day, a nod to the egalitarian spirit of the Saturnalia festival.
The classic Parisian version “”Galette des Rois”, distinct from its Provencal counterpart, the “Gâteau des Rois,” is a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance. It consists of buttery puff pastry, encasing a rich almond cream filling, known as frangipane. This combination of flaky pastry and creamy almond has become a beloved winter treat in France.
The “Gâteau des Rois” is not just a dessert; it’s a cultural artifact, representing a blend of history, tradition, and culinary artistry. Each year, it brings a sense of anticipation and joy, uniting people in a shared, delicious experience.
