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Mardi Gras King Cake - the Royal Tradition of the King Cake Continues |
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Sista Specialist -
Food + Recipes
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Written by Dianna Smith
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 King Cakes are as deeply
entwined with the traditions of New
Orleans and Mardi Gras as parades, Bourbon Street, and jambalaya. The city
of New Orleans
is the proud host of the popular Mardi Gras Festival, and celebrants consider a
Mardi Gras King Cake a
necessity. These unique delicacies are so coveted that people throughout the
country order them from their favorite bakery or bake one for their family and
friends.
A Mardi Gras King Cake is made from braids of rich, cinnamon flavored dough
that is shaped into an oval before being baked. Some of the more modern recipes
may even have fillings of chocolate, cream cheese, lemon, apple, or strawberry.
When the King Cake is removed from the oven and cooled, it is then glazed with
icing and decorated with colored sugars. The sugars and the triple braid of the
cake originated as a way to honor the 3 Wise Men who brought gifts to the Baby
Jesus. Each of the colored sugars has a meaning:
• Purple- Justice
• Gold-Power
• Green-Faith
Even the time of preparation for these cakes is special, with baking being done
between the dates of the Twelfth Night (January 6th) and Ash Wednesday. There
are thousands of King Cakes prepared for purchase as well as for delivery to
customers who have placed their personal order weeks in advance. To many people
having one of these sugary confections is reason enough for a celebration.
January 6th, or the Twelfth Night, officially introduces the Carnival Season
which is a much anticipated time of year. This is the time that the Baby Jesus
was honored with gifts from the Wise Men. From the very earliest times, small
tokens have been placed in the cakes for revelers to find. At times people have
chosen to use a small coin, peas, or even a pecan. In the 19th century, a small
gemstone was being added to a King Cake by the wealthier families. The tokens
would bring good luck to whoever found them and the finder would be the king
(or queen) of the ball.
It was at the beginning of the 20th century that the tradition changed to
placing a small plastic baby in the cake. This plastic baby represents the
Christ Child, and is placed into the cake after baking. Then the cake is
frosted and decorated so no one realizes where the object is hidden. Everyone
hopes to find the doll in their slice of cake and slicing the cake is an
exciting time. Whoever finds the doll will have good luck and they also honored
as the King or Queen. According to tradition, they must also host a Mardi Gras
celebration next year and furnish a new Mardi Gras King Cake for guests to
enjoy.
About
the Author: My name is Dianna Smith and I live in Texas
with my husband and two daughters. My husband is from New Orleans. My in-laws lost most of their possessions
due to hurricane Katrina. This included the family recipe book. So, I decided
to create a website, Cooking New Orleans Style, where the family recipes could
be viewed by all of our displaced friends and family. Please visit my website
at http://www.Cooking-New-Orleans-Style.com
for more Cajun and Creole recipes.
Printed From:
http://www.articlesbase.com/holidays-articles/mardi-gras-king-cake-the-royal-tradition-of-the-king-cake-continues-770120.html
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