Every year starting on January 6th, la galette des Rois (the cake of the three kings), a cake made of frangipani (almond cream paste) and a buttery crust, is sold in patisseries all over France. These delicious cakes celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, when the three wise men came to see the baby Jesus. In certain parts of France the cake is made with brioche and filled with glazed fruit. A feve—a little china figure—is hidden inside of the cake, and whoever gets it (without breaking a cap when biting into it!) is crowned king and gets to choose his queen. The cake is usually sold with a gold paper crown.
Many boulangeries now create different flavors besides the traditional almond including raspberry, pistachio, and chocolate. Click here for a recipe to make your own.