Galette des Rois

Galette des Rois, also known as the King’s Cake, is a traditional French pastry that is typically enjoyed during the Christmas season and on Epiphany Day (January 6th). It consists of flaky puff pastry filled with almond cream, also known as frangipane. The galette is often served as a dessert or as a centerpiece for a festive gathering. It also holds a special significance as it contains a hidden figurine or bean, and the person who finds it in their slice is crowned the “king” or “queen” for the day.

Here’s a basic recipe for Galette des Rois:

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 dried bean or figurine (for hiding)
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, and almond extract. Mix well until you have a smooth and creamy almond cream (frangipane).
3. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to form a large circle, about 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the almond cream (frangipane) evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Carefully place the dried bean or figurine somewhere in the almond cream. This will be the surprise for the person who finds it in their slice.
6. Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to the same size as the first one and place it on top of the almond cream-filled pastry. Press the edges together to seal.
7. Use a sharp knife to lightly score a decorative pattern on the top of the galette, being careful not to cut all the way through.
8. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the galette with the egg wash, which will give it a golden color when baked.
9. Bake the galette in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and puffs up.
10. Remove the galette from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
11. Once the galette has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar.
12. To serve, cut the galette into slices and distribute them among the guests. The person who finds the hidden figurine or bean in their slice is declared the king or queen and gets to wear a paper crown.