Celebrate Mardi Gras With Sweet Treats!
Did you know Mardi Gras is Tuesday? We love to indulge in a slice or two of king cake this time of year! This nutty treat, which can be made a couple of different ways, is always delicious with a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea.
The most common type of king cake seen in the United States (at least where we’re at) resembles a cinnamon roll. It’s usually filled with a mixture of ground cinnamon, sugar and butter, although the filling can include yummy nuts, cream cheese, fruit or almond paste. Our favorite recipe, from allrecipes.com, is a breeze to make because you mix the dough in a bread machine! (A stand mixer equipped with a dough hook also works well.) The filling, a mixture of chopped pecans, ground cinnamon and sugar, is nutty and delicious. This recipe is definitely a
winner.
Another (and, as some people might argue, more traditional) king cake variety is the galette des rois. This almond-flavored, cream-filled pastry is packed with goodness. All recipes include a custard center made with almond flour, and some also incorporate a layer of sweet raspberry jam or strawberry jam. This recipe from Chocolate and Zucchini is fantastic, and uses hazelnut flour as well as almond flour to get a nutty and delicious flavor in the almond cream. It might look like a little extra work, but you won’t regret making this delicious treat!
Do you and your family have any special Mardi Gras traditions?
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