The holiday season in our Franco-Japanese family is packed with celebrations from Christmas to New Year! Since I’m in charge of cooking for all the festivities, it feels like I’m running a full marathon in the kitchen. It begins with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the extravagant French Réveillon dinner on New Year’s Eve. These meals are all about French cuisine. Then, as soon as the New Year arrives, we seamlessly switch gears to Japanese traditions, welcoming osechi dishes into our home.
But just when I think I’ve crossed the finish line, another beloved French celebration awaits on January 6th—Épiphanie, or Epiphany.
What Is Epiphany?
Epiphany is a Christian holiday that commemorates the moment when the three wise men—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar—visited the newborn Jesus, presenting him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
How Do the French Celebrate?
In France, Epiphany is a time for families and friends to gather and enjoy the beloved Galette des Rois (Kings’ Cake). This flaky puff pastry, filled with creamy almond goodness, hides a delightful surprise: a tiny porcelain figurine known as the fève. The lucky person who finds the fève in their slice gets to wear a golden crown and reign as “king” or “queen” for the day.
Did you know? The word fève originally means “broad bean” in French, and this tradition can be traced back to ancient Rome’s Saturnalia festival. Back then, a hidden bean would determine the “king” of the celebration. It’s fascinating to see how traditions evolve over time!
*fèves
My Personal Memories: The Sweet Taste of Tradition
When I worked at a French company, we celebrated Galette des Rois in the office every year. One time, I had the honor of becoming the queen! Of course, my royal duties included tidying up afterward, but it was worth it. 😅
There’s also a charming children’s book about the story of the three wise men that I used to read to my kids when they were little. One memorable time, I translated it and read it to my children’s classmates at a Japanese elementary school. Later, one of the kids came up to me and said, “We tried Galette des Rois at home!” Moments like these, It truly warms my heart to see traditions being shared and enjoyed in new and unexpected ways..
A Unique Twist: Our Family’s Apple Galette des Rois
Back when we lived in Japan, we’d buy delicious galettes from local shops every year. But here in Berlin, Galette des Rois isn’t as widely available due to cultural differences, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and bake one myself. (That said, I was delighted to discover some recently at the famous KaDeWe department store!)
Since my family isn’t particularly fond of almond cream, I decided to experiment with an apple compote filling instead. The result? A winning combination of tangy sweetness and crispy puff pastry that has become a staple in our home. It’s now our signature take on this classic dessert
Bring the Celebration Home!
What started as a religious tradition has transformed into a joyful event that brings people together. Whether you’re gathering with family or hosting a party, Galette des Rois is a fun and delicious way to celebrate. The anticipation of finding the fève makes it exciting for everyone, young and old alike.
Curious about our family’s apple Galette des Rois recipe? Click here Apple Galette des Rois to start your own tradition and add a personal touch to this delightful French custom. You’re sure to create sweet memories that will last a lifetime!
