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MARDI GRAS AND KING CAKES
Mardi
Gras has been celebrated in Europe for centuries. It
was the last chance for excessive indulgence before
the solemn season of fasting. Our Mardi Gras season
starts on the 12th day after Christmas, which is known
as the Twelfth Night, and runs until the day before
Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. The Tuesday before
Ash Wednesday is known most popularly by the French
name of Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras came to
Louisiana when a French Canadian explorer named D'Iberville
camped south of New Orleans in 1699 on Mardi Gras day
and named the area Pointe du Mardi Gras. Historians
say that Mardi Gras was celebrated in New Orleans as
early as the 1700's. The first formal parades in New
Orleans date back to the 1830's. Much of the pomp surrounding
the krewes and their balls comes from the visit of the
Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff who came to New Orleans
in 1872. Several prominent businessmen of New Orleans
had founded the Krewe of Rex and put on a parade in
the duke's honor. One explanation states they decided
to adopt the duke's colors for the occasion and that's
where the purple, green and gold colors of Mardi Gras
came from. The purple stands for justice, the green
- faith and the gold - power.
The
king cake has its origins in the celebration of Epiphany.
Epiphany marks the coming of the wise men who brought
gifts to the Christ Child. It is celebrated on the 12th
day after Christmas. Traditionally it was celebrated
by exchanging gifts and feasting. The king cakes origins
lies in this celebration. The "King Cake" represents
the three kings who brought gifts. The plastic baby
is baked inside and the tradition is whoever receives
the baby in their piece of cake must buy the next cake
or throw the next party.
Although
king cakes are available in bakeries and grocery stores
throughout Louisiana, you might want to try baking your
own. You will be rewarded with the taste of a fresh,
homemade yeast dough and a pretty pastel topping….much
better than any you can buy. My king cake recipe can
be found in my first cookbook or on the recipe
page of my web site. Try it….it is worth the effort
and you won't be disappointed!
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Mardi
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