Y'all wanna know what this time of year gets me in the mood for? Mardi Gras! You don't have to live in Nu'awlins to celebrate- I believe everyone should take the time to prepare at least one Mardi Gras-inspired menu and have their own little celebration at home!Well, at least serve a simple jambalaya and a King Cake- no need to dress up and parade around, or flash anyone for that matter, unless you're into that sort of thing.
If you're a little uncertain about the relevance and history of a King Cake, read on! Recipe to follow is simple, tasty, and most appreciated when served!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
"As part of our Christian faith, the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ Child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. We refer to this as the Feast of the Epiphany or Little Christmas on the Twelfth Night. This is a time of celebration, exchanging gifts and feasting. The tradition continues today as people all over the world gather for festive Twelfth Night celebrations. A popular custom was and still is the baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings called a King's Cake.
"As part of our Christian faith, the coming of the wise men bearing gifts to the Christ Child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. We refer to this as the Feast of the Epiphany or Little Christmas on the Twelfth Night. This is a time of celebration, exchanging gifts and feasting. The tradition continues today as people all over the world gather for festive Twelfth Night celebrations. A popular custom was and still is the baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings called a King's Cake.
Inside every cake is a tiny baby (generally plastic now, but sometimes this baby might be made of porcelain or even gold). The tradition of having King Cake Parties has evolved through time, and the person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party.
Originally, King Cakes were a simple ring of dough with a small amount of decoration. Today's King Cakes are much more festive. After the rich Danish dough is braided and baked, the "baby" is inserted. The top of the ring or oval cake is then covered with delicious sugar toppings in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold.
January 6, the Twelfth Night after Christmas, is also the day our Mardi Gras season begins. Mardi Gras Day is always 47 days prior to Easter Sunday. Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday."
INGREDIENTS
1 envelope active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water, about 105 to 115 degrees
2 tablespoons milk, scalded and cooled
4 to 5 cups flour
8 ounces butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2 teaspoons melted butter
very small plastic doll, a large bean, or coin
light corn syrup for topping
green, purple and yellow colored sugars
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk and about 1/2 cup of flour.
1/4 cup warm water, about 105 to 115 degrees
2 tablespoons milk, scalded and cooled
4 to 5 cups flour
8 ounces butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2 teaspoons melted butter
very small plastic doll, a large bean, or coin
light corn syrup for topping
green, purple and yellow colored sugars
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk and about 1/2 cup of flour.
In a large bowl, blend butter, sugar, salt and eggs. Add yeast mixture and mix thoroughly. Gradually, add 2 1/2 cups flour to make a medium dough. Place in a greased bowl and brush with melted butter.
Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise until double in volume, about 3 hours. Use 1 cup or more flour to knead dough and roll into a 4 to 5 foot long rope. Form into a oval on a 14 x 17" greased baking sheet, connecting ends of the rope with a few drops of water to make a good seal.
Press the doll, bean, or coin into the dough from bottom. Cover dough ring with a damp cloth and let rise until double in volume, about 1 hour. Bake at 325° for 35 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Brush top of cake with corn syrup and sprinkle with alternating bands of colored sugar.
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