The Galette des Rois is one of France’s favorite desserts, loved by children and adults alike. Every Epiphany, on January 6 (and for two brief weeks thereafter) France’s citizens tuck into the almond paste-filled pastry to mark the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem.
Hidden in the galette is a charm known as the fève. Whoever is lucky enough to find the coveted porcelain figurine in their slice (and not break a tooth or choke in the process) is crowned king or queen and gets to choose their consort.
With the Galette des Rois, anyone can be king or queen for a day – except for the President of the Republic who is not allowed to partake in this tradition, lest he would be crowned king.
There are now many pastry shops and restaurants offering Galette des Rois, and for the more adventurous, here’s the recipe to make it at home.