Just as the Christmas season starts to wind down, Parisian patisseries begin to hum with new activity. Shimmering galettes des rois (kings’ cakes) are baked in honor of Epiphany, the January 6th Christian holiday that commemorates the three Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Because the majestic treat is popular among everyone as a way to celebrate the new year, regardless of religious affiliation, bakeries often sell the cakes through the end of January.
There are a few styles of galette des rois, including a shortbread kind from western France and a candied fruit-studded brioche found in the Riviera and New Orleans, but my favorite version of the seasonal treat comes from northern France. It features rounds of flaky, buttery pâte feuilletée (puff pastry) sandwiched around a generous smear
