A true tradition dating back to the 14th century, Epiphany brings young and old together around the essential and delicious galette des rois (king cake). This Christian holiday, which celebrates the arrival of the incarnate Messiah in the world and the visit paid to him by the Magi, falls this year on a Friday, January 6, 2017.
But since the biblical date is not a public holiday, it is customary to celebrate it on the first Sunday after January 1st, which is this Sunday, January 8.
At the start of 2017, I am offering you my own little selection of galettes for this first celebration of the year, and I also wish for you to end this convivial moment with a crown on your head if possible…
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Table of Contents
My favorite king cakes
The Franprix king cake
For the first time, the Franprix brand is offering a galette for Epiphany. Furthermore, the 250 stores equipped with bread ovens will even offer king cakes baked on-site.
Price: €6.90 for a 6-person galette / €4.90 for a 4-person galette / €1 for an individual galette
The tip: from December 1st, 2016 to January 31st, 2017, the lucky ones who discover a tangerine-shaped fève charm in a galette will be the happy winners of a cooking class worth €300
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The Sève house galette
I am a huge fan of the red praline king cake from the iconic Lyon-based master chocolatier and pastry chef, Richard Sève. This year, the pastry chef is offering a unique collection of 15 fève charms inspired by the iconic models of the Jaguar Automotion Lyon brand.
The tip: Among this collection, 2 models feature the Jaguar logo in gold and silver. 5 gold Jaguar charms and 10 silver Jaguar charms will be hidden in the galettes from the Sève house, allowing the lucky finders to win some beautiful gifts (branded leather goods or a VIP surprise invitation + a branded Jaguar piece of luggage)
Price: from €17.50 to €59.90 depending on size
sale price for fève charms: €4.50 each / €13 for a set of 3 / €55 for a set of 13
available in stores starting January 2, 2017
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The Meringaie king cake
For a change from traditional galettes, La Meringaie offers a galette full of fruit and super light meringue, a real treat!
Price: €19.50 (for 4 people) / €29 (for 6 people) / €39 (for 8 people)
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The Toupargel Good King Louis galette
Toupargel presents its Good King Louis Galette for Epiphany with ingredients made in France, a recipe based on high-quality products, pure Charentes-Poitou butter puff pastry, frangipane made with almonds from Provence, and a hint of rum.
This natural galette, without preservatives, artificial colors, or artificial flavors, is to be heated in the oven for about 30 minutes without defrosting.
The tip: a special fève charm is hidden in 50 special galettes, allowing the lucky kings and queens to win real gold Louis coins (value €117)!
Price: €9.98 for the 500g frozen galette / 6 servings
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The Magi visit the Royal Château d’Amboise for Christmas
The Château d’Amboise presents the great odyssey of the Magi and offers children several magical activities around this theme: shows, a special family guided tour, and storytelling.
The tip: free tasting of the best king cake on Thursday, January 5 in the afternoon in the castle’s Council Chamber (Access included in the castle admission fee), which will host the awards ceremony for the Competition for the best galette and croissant baker, organized by the Federation of Artisanal Bakers – Pastry Chefs of Indre-et-Loire. Visitors will have the chance to taste the most delicious king cakes.
From December 3, 2016 to January 8, 2017 Royal Château d'Amboise
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The AppiePhanie at CopperBay
The young cider brand Appie offers its own quirky version of this gourmet holiday in one of the most famous cocktail bars in Paris, CopperBay.
For the occasion, they will offer a menu of 4 cocktails based on cider, to be discovered only that evening. For the galettes, the young duo of pastry-bakers Ernest and Valentin will be providing the treats (cocktail + galette slice formula for €10)
The tip: several king cake draws will take place throughout the evening, and the winners will receive an Appie gift!
Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 6:00 PM The CopperBay 5, rue Bouchardon, 75010 Paris
The brand is also partnering with the young and talented duo of baker-pastry chefs Ernest & Valentin to offer galette + cider formulas throughout the month of January.
From January 1st to 31st Formula: slice of galette + bottle of cider - €6.50 Formula: 4-person galette + 4 bottles of cider - €25 Formula: 6-person galette + 6 bottles of cider - €39 Ernest & Valentin Boutiques 225 rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris 42 rue Réaumur, 75003 Paris
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A galette for everyone
Pastry Chef Julie Myrtille and her manager and assistant Mélanie KHIM took the initiative to partner with the association Le Carillon to organize a solidarity event on January 11th: a galette for everyone in support of the underprivileged.
- 10:00 AM: Galette making workshop, Le Carillon association, 82 Avenue Denfert-Rochereau, Paris, 75014 Paris ·
- 7:30 PM: Tasting at the Dans la Foulée café, 111 bd de Ménilmontant, 75011 Paris
Galette for everyone January 11, 2017
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If you have any good addresses, a preference, or tips on finding the best king cake, don’t hesitate to leave a little comment to share your tip! And happy Epiphany to everyone!
Photo credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan and Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free, photographer authorization mandatory before any use
