How to Buy Mardi Gras King Cakes

Beginning January 6th of each year, cinnamon-flavored coffeecake rings called king cakes are sold throughout New Orleans and the South. The king cake is traditionally eaten on Epiphany, which marks the end of the Christmas season, but it is enjoyed until the end of Mardi Gras. A miniature plastic baby is hidden in each king cake, and the person who gets the baby must buy the next king cake.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a local bakery. You don't have to live in New Orleans or the Deep South to buy king cakes. Bakeries in other U.S. cities often sell the cakes during Mardi Gras season. Call your neighborhood bakery and inquire.

2. Buy king cakes online. Many New Orleans and Mardi Gras websites sell king cakes year round. Some gourmet and food websites may include the cake on their pages. Check out the Taste of Mardi Gras website to begin your search.

3. Create your own confection with a king cake mix. The same stores that sell Cajun food and readymade king cakes may sell king cake mix. If you like to bake, consider this option. But don't forget to add the tiny plastic baby.

4. Visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras season and get one from the source. Buying a cake online or in another city works well, but nothing beats buying a king cake in the Crescent City.

5. Read about king cakes and their relevance to Mardi Gras to find other sources for buying king cakes. Consult books about New Orleans and its traditions after you buy your king cake and enjoy a taste of the city.

Tips & Warnings

• Some king cakes have fruit or cream cheese filling or pecans, while others are simply frosted Danish pastry.

Resources

• Check out the Taste of Mardi Gras website.
• Shop the Cajun Grocer.com.

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on 2/27/2009 http://www.cannataskingcakes.com