Three Kings Day

It is fast approaching Three Kings Day, January 6. Just when you thought you had safely made it through the holiday season! As the Wise Men on the legendary journey arrived a little late to the stable, the festivities in some communities continue. Commonly known as The Epiphany, or The Feast of the Epiphany, January 6 is the official end of the twelve days of Christmas.

But, for those of us with a life history associated with south Louisiana, Three Kings Day is the first day of the season ending with the celebration of Mardi Gras. And you know what the favorite eating ritual of the season is, don't you? King Cake, of course! Now we are talking about a sweet treat! I am placing my order for a King Cake to be mailed from my favorite bakery in Lafayette, our old stomping grounds. My only concern is choosing from the delicious fillings now available. I do lean toward the classic pecan praline filling, though.

I notice the availability of King Cakes in the grocery stores here in Houston in recent years, but unfortunately, they do not compare with the ones from our neighbors to the east. And, due to the over cautious approach in the food industry to avoid lawsuits, I'm sure, the baby, representing the infant Jesus, is placed outside the cake. I assume the purchaser is to hide the baby on her own. Bah humbug.

The tradition is that the person who gets the baby in their piece of cake is to purchase the next King Cake. The cakes are glazed with a white icing glaze and sprinkled with colored sugar. The colors of Mardi Gras, gold, purple and green, are arranged in a festive stripe pattern in the glaze. The cakes are particulary tasty with morning coffee.

So, today I will be looking up the phone number of "my" bakery and soon a King Cake will be on the way. I hope hubby makes it home to enjoy a piece. Once that cake hits the front door, all bets are off!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!