After the holidays, right when I thought I consumed enough foie gras to shut down the State of California, it is on to January’s flavor of the month. The galette des rois, or king’s cake, is as ubiquitous in France as New Year’s resolutions. There’s another French paradox for the list. Nonetheless, two layers of buttery puff pastry hide a rich layer of almond paste or apple compote. Buried in the cake is a teeny tiny charm. In the spirit of Epiphany, whoever wins it is crowned king or queen for the day. Although galettes are found in abundance at any boulangerie and social event in the month of January, they are a cinch to make at home. Mine includes an apple compote with a Yankee Doodle dose of cinnamon and plenty of vanilla bean. So hold onto your teeth. You may be king or queen today!
For much more coloring fun, please preorder my forthcoming book Amazon.com: Edible Paradise: A Coloring Book of Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables (Rizzoli’s Universe Imprint), March 15th, 2016. It sets its readers on an enchanting journey, discovering the seasonal delicacies and creatures found in forests, fields, gardens, and urban farmer’s markets. This charming, elegantly designed volume of freehand illustrations is a treat for the senses, guaranteed to inspire food lovers, nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and parents wanting to encourage their children to appreciate the wonders of nature’s edible bounty. Preorder here.
Thanks so much Catherine! It’s got to be one of the easiest French desserts around. And with some clever knife skills, it can turn into a beautiful one, too. What do you put in your clafouti? And thanks so much for reading. -jkw
Thank you very much! It’s my own take on the classic. Coming from an American, I hope it won’t disappoint. jkw
We ll visit Paris in April and celebrate with a few months delay
.. And add the interests! Better wait for the real stuff than going for Canada Dry 😏
Thanks so much! I hope you love it as much as I do. And don’t forget to color in the recipe too, if you are so inclined. All the best, Jessie
Thanks so much Kayla! I’ve been at it for a while, but it’s still reassuring and humbling to know that it is appreciated by readers like you. Sending all my love from Paris, Jessie
Thanks so much! It really is a sinch to make if you can find a good quality, pure-butter puff pastry.
So yummy, I adore the galette des rois. It is actually my fav treat and the one I miss most, especially when we are in countries that dont sell pate feuilletee. Or it is far too hot to try to make one. Bon Appetit!
I just stumbled upon your blog and I have to tell you, I’m obsessed! This is such a unique and well executed idea. Very happy I followed!
What an utterly beautiful combination of drawing and confectionery! Will definitely be trying the recipe.
I really like your drawing about our famous galette des rois, furthermore you write a quick recipe to do it with apple… A good recipe to try too.
I made my Galette this year. It’s not a difficult process at all. Today I’ll be making a clafoutis for my ex-pat Frenchman. Glad I found your blog through WP Discover! I need to read past posts!