23 January 2008

feeling royal


what i wouldn't do for a taste of galette des rois!!!

oh, to pass by the vitrines of the multitude of patisseries, staring at the flaky-pastry encrusted tarts, wearing their cheesy metallic paper crowns - so quaint, so SWEET! it's like having an epiphany - wait, that is FOR epiphany!!! marked in 2008 on 06 january, it starts the barrage of degustation coming your way ...

each delicious and weighty pie is both delectable and tantalizing, and promises an additional treat inside - like a box of cracker jacks, each galette is baked with a signature ceramic feve (literally, 'bean') hidden amongst it's almondy, frangipane interior. this prize appears in a single slice, and the recipient is literally the 'king' and gets to wear the crown (not to mention that they get their chose of 'queen' from those assembled in the room!).

much has been made of the famous confection - in france, serious contests are held annually to determine who is the king of the king cakes! the reigning bakery is subsequently graced with throngs of people - the masses line up not only to taste and purchase the subject of all this fuss, but to meet and congratulate the artist who gains near-madonna-fame status!

often times, the tradition of creating the galette is passed down from generation to generation, although there are always rogue chefs who pull off an amazing coup!

one is either addicted to this treat or not - i fall into the former category, i am thankful to say!

vive la tradition!