King Cake

The King Cake, surely the most popular of all Mardi Gras foods has a
history rich in tradition. The history of the King Cake dates back to the
Middle Ages. During this time Epiphany, the 12th night of Christmas, and
the end of the Christmas season came to be known as the “12th Night” — a
time for pageants, and giving special “King” presents to children. These
king presents were in memory of the Three Wise Men or Kings who followed a
star and paid homage to Christ.

The king cake, an oval shaped braided coffee cake decorated with cinnamon
and sugar is always adorned with the official Mardi Gras colors – gold (for
power), green (for faith), and purple (for justice) – and contains a tiny
plastic baby. The baby has replaced the coin used in medieval times. The
person who gets the slice with the baby must host the next party or buy the
next cake. At some parties, the person who gets the plastic baby gets
crowned king or queen. This opens up endless party possibilities, and the
ritual is a popular custom in family groups, offices, schools and Mardi
Gras organizations. One of the carnival organizations in past days actually
chose their king and queen of Mardi Gras based on who found the bean in the
King Cake.

Today you will find a king cake at almost every Mardi Gras celebration.
Traditionally the cake is a gift shared by friends and family, and eaten
between the Twelfth Night and Fat Tuesday, but you will see the king cake
begin to appear during Christmas.

In saucepan, combine milk, sugar, salt and shortening. Scald and cool
tolukewarm. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk
mixture, eggs, lemon rind, nutmeg and 2 cups of the flour. Beat until
smooth. Add remaining flour slowly. Transfer to floured board; knead 5
minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in greased bowl, turn
once, and cover with a damp cloth. Allow dough to rise in warm place free
from drafts for 90 minutes to 2 hours. When the dough is double in bulk,
punch down and knead for 5 minutes. Divide into thirds. Roll each portion
into a strip 28-30 inches long. Braid strips and shape the braid into an
oval on a greased baking sheet. Secure ends. Carefully insert doll into
dough. Cover and let dough rise until double in bulk; about 1 hour.

Bake the King Cake at 375F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Watch
carefully. Cool cake completely; frost with Lemon Glaze, and sprinkle with
alternating stripes of purple, gold and green sugars.

LEMON GLAZE
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons water Yellow food coloring

In bowl, combine sugar, lemon juice, water and tint with food coloring;
blend well.
Per serving: 370 Calories; 21g Fat (51% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 38g
Carbohydrate; 35mg Cholesterol; 215mg Sodium