When I gave this post a title I had to make sure it was clear that the King Cake was indeed for Mardi Gras and not for Colin Meloy. I’m sorry, but I cannot think of anything King related without thinking of The Decemberists.  I’m sure the whole band would love to drop by for some cake, but they are currently on tour in England. Lucky Brits.

This is a traditional version of King Cake which is customarily served in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. A token, such as a coin or a plastic baby, is usually baked in the cake. The person who finds the token is treated like a King for the day. The royal colors used to decorate the King Cake are purple to represent justice, green for faith and gold for power.

King Cake

Cake ingredients:

2 pkg (1/4 oz each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110℉)
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110℉)
2 egg yolks
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3 to 3-3/4 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 egg, beaten

Glaze ingredients:

1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
2 to 3 Tbs water
Green, purple and yellow sugars

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1/2 cup sugar, butter, milk, egg yolks, salt, lemon peel, nutmeg and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).

2. Knead dough in mixer for about 4 minutes or by hand on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes.

3. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise for about an hour or until doubled.

4. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 16 x 10 inch rectangle.

5. Combine remaining sugar and the cinnamon. Sprinkle over dough to within 1/2 inch of the edges.

6. Roll dough up, jelly roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch seam to seal.

7. Place dough, seam side down, on a parchment lined baking sheet. Pinch edges together to form a ring. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

8. Brush cake with egg. Bake at 375℉ for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

9. Cool completely on a wire rack.

10. For glaze, combine the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with colored sugars.

Serves 12

Adapted from Taste Of Home Magazine

Mardi Gras wouldn’t be complete without some Saints.

Louis Armstrong-When The Saints Come Marching In

Yes, it is good to be King.

Tom Petty-It’s Good To Be King

And, yes, The King Is Dead is good.

The Decemberists-Calamity Song

If you don’t have this amazing album yet you can buy it here.

Have yourself a Merry Mardi Gras. Cheers!