The Royal Delight

Celebrate January with Galette des Rois

January 16, 2025

The Royal Delight: Celebrate January with Galette des Rois

Dear Food & Wine Lovers,

As winter blankets the world in calm, France comes alive with a warm and golden tradition: the Galette des Rois. This iconic pastry crowns January with joy, community, and just the right pinch of royal whimsy.

A Regal Treat with Humble Beginnings

At its heart, the Galette des Rois is a masterpiece of simplicity: layers of buttery puff pastry filled with a velvety almond cream called frangipane. Yet, this dessert carries a story that spans centuries, tracing back to the Middle Ages’ Epiphany celebrations on January 6th, honoring the journey of the Three Wise Men.

The magic lies in the fève, a hidden treasure nestled within the galette. From a simple bean in earlier days to collectible ceramic figurines today, the fève transforms every slice into a game of discovery. If you find it, you’re crowned king or queen for the day—a moment to rule the feast with a golden paper crown.

Two Ways to Enjoy Royalty

France offers two main styles of this delightful pastry:

  • Northern France: The classic puff pastry galette, rich with almond frangipane.

  • Southern France: A brioche-style couronne (crown) adorned with jewel-like candied fruits.

Both versions celebrate the same spirit of festivity and surprise, making them perfect for any gathering.

Raise a Glass to Royalty

Every great dessert deserves an equally great wine pairing! Complement your Galette des Rois with:

  • Chenin Blanc: Bright apple and honey notes to match the pastry’s buttery richness.

  • Crémant de Loire: A sparkling toast to your regal feast.

  • Sauternes: Golden and subtly sweet, a perfect match for almond frangipane.

  • Amontillado Sherry: Nutty and elegant, it plays in harmony with the galette’s flavors.

Bring the Galette Tradition to Life

Hosting your own Galette des Rois celebration is simple and oh-so-fun! Here’s how to do it:

  1. Gather your loved ones. The galette is a dessert meant to be shared.

  2. Slice with tradition. Have the youngest guest hide under the table to assign slices randomly.

  3. Crown your monarch. The lucky fève finder wears the golden crown.

  4. Toast to tradition. Pour a glass of your favorite pairing wine and savor the moment.

A Sweet Start to the New Year

The Galette des Rois is more than a pastry; it’s a celebration of life’s sweet moments, togetherness, and the little surprises that make us feel royal. Whether you bake it yourself or pick one up at a bakery, this delicious tradition is your chance to start the year with flaky, buttery joy.

May your January be filled with warmth, tradition, and wine that pairs as perfectly as royalty with its crown!

Santé et Bon Appétit,

Classic Galette des Rois Recipe

Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry (or use 2 store-bought sheets):

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup cold water

  • 2 cups cold unsalted butter

For the Frangipane:

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract

  • 1 fève or whole almond

For Assembly:

  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • A paper crown

Instructions

  1. If making puff pastry from scratch, prepare it a day ahead using the classic turning method.

  2. Make the frangipane: cream the butter and sugar, then mix in almond flour, eggs, and extracts.

  3. Roll the pastry into two 10-inch circles.

  4. Spread frangipane on one circle, leaving a 1-inch border.

  5. Hide the fève in the filling.

  6. Cover with the second pastry circle and seal the edges.

  7. Score a decorative pattern on top and brush with egg wash.

  8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

P.S. Found the fève? Wear your crown with pride and share your royal moments with us!