Just as we do in New Orleans, the French follow the custom of serving King Cakes during the Epiphany season. From Epiphany (King's Day) through Mardi Gras, galettes des roi (king cakes) are found in all the patisseries of France. Inside the galette des roi is hidden a small porcelain figure called a feve. The person who finds the feve in his or her slice of cake is crowned "king for the day" and has the honor (or obligation) of buying the next king cake! By creating this custom, the French bakers assured themselves o a rich business every Epiphany season!
Our favorite series of king cake feves is a set of Provencal Nativity santons. The set contains 16 figures, including Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the angel Gabriel, 3 wise men, a donkey, cow, sheep, camel, shepherd, camel driver and 3 village people. The figures are approximately 1 1/2 inches tall and each has its name written in French. Shown are 12 of the 16 figures. The set of 16 figures is $24
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