We are only two weeks in to 2016, and exciting things are already happening! Believe it or not, the official Mardi Gras season actually began last week, on Wednesday, January 6. This traditional kickoff day always coincides with the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day, which are celebrated twelve days after Christmas. (Don’t believe the commercials – the 12 days of Christmas actually take place after the holiday!)
The celebration of Mardi Gras dates back millennia to pagan celebrations in ancient Rome before it eventually became associated with the Easter holiday. These feasts are also the roots of the evolution of the King Cake, only it was made a little differently back then. In a flat, crusty galette cake, bakers would hide a fava bean to be discovered by one of the feast attendees, as these tiny pods were thought to be magical.
We are so happy the King Cake has developed into the tasty treat we see today. At Three Brothers Bakery, we model our King Cake in the famous Louisiana style, and have made several trips to bakeries in our neighboring state to perfect our recipe. Our King Cake features sweet, fluffy bread with a hint of cinnamon, stuffed with a choice of cream cheese or fruit filling, covered in a sugary glaze and topped with colorful sanding sugar. Even the hidden good luck charm has changed into a sweet surprise – a plastic baby that brings good fortune to whoever uncovers it.
If you cannot make it to Bourbon Street to celebrate Mardi Gras, our King Cake can at least transport your taste buds there.
Our creative team of bakers never settles for offering only the standard options, so our Mardi Gras treats do not stop with the traditional King Cake. The star attraction, if you really wanted to make an impression at a party celebrating the season, has to be the King Cake Cheesecake. It is exactly what it sounds like: the classic, creamy cheesecake you know and love, stacked on top of our King Cake bread and garnished with sweet sanding sugar. Not to mention, it is absolutely delicious.
For those headed to a smaller gathering, though, we also offer Mardi Gras-themed cupcakes and petit fours!
Just make sure you know the phrase to say when enjoying any of these delicious sweets – “Laissez les bons temps rouler.” Or, in English, let the good times roll!
Click HERE to order Mardi Gras treats online from Three Brothers Bakery!