Galette des rois or 'Cake of the Kings', a staple of French pâtisserie during the festivities of Epiphany, is a beloved tradition celebrating family and friendship. It is an invitation to gather and celebrate together as well as an ode to French craftsmanship.

Its origin is complex, and like all of France’s history, its’ symbolism has evolved through the different influences within French culture. Presumably the galette is inspired by the pagan tradition of winter solstice celebration - a time of suspension of social hierarchies. Later, during the Middle Ages, with the catholic influence of Benedictine priests, the tradition took on religious symbolism for the feast of Epiphany - the visit of the Three Kings to an infant Jesus.

Every year, there is nothing more comforting than enjoying the perfect combination pâte feuilletée (flaky puff pastry) and rich frangipane filling. Mastering the different layers of flaky pastry is a question of savoir-faire, a secret of French artisanry. The compagnon boulanger conducts all the meticulous steps to create the striking golden crust which resembles the sun. The traditional galette has scalloped edges to highlight the dreamy layers of pastry - tempting all passing by a boulangerie during the month of January. It is also often adorned with a design on the top, displaying each compagnon boulanger’s craftsmanship.

Modern pastry chefs have made this traditional recipe their own. One can find filling made with fruits, chocolate, citrus and different nuts. For example, in previous years Pierre Hermé imagined a galette with Iranian pistachio almond cream and crispy pistachio praline. The galettes from Poilâne, who also have a shop in Chelsea, London, are beloved by Parisians - especially their galette with hazelnut filling. Each year, the French love to try new flavours of galettes and discuss their favourite flavours. The National Confederation of French Bakery and Pastry also have a say it this debate and their panel of judges publish a selection of the best galettes each year.

More than a divine pastry, galette des rois is an invitation to gather amongst family and friends. Within each galette a fève is hidden between the layers of pastry and frangipane. Fortune is bestowed on the one who finds the fève in his slice of galette, and they become the 'King' or 'Queen' of the gathering. As a dessert fit for kings, the galette always comes with a golden paper crown. There is nothing more thrilling than seeing everyone take each bite with anticipation, awaiting the coronation of one of the guests. It is almost a theatrical scene filled with laughter when the galette arrives, with some guests inspecting the galette with adoration and trying to guess which slice has the fève and, of course, when a lucky guest triumphantly brandishes the fève.

Another key actor in this theatrical celebration is the youngest person at the gathering. In most French families the youngest person in the room goes under the table and oversees the distribution of the next slice of galette. All the others sit in anticipation waiting to know when their name will be called out. Galette is about much more than simply savouring a cake; it is a quintessential part of French culture and the perfect moment to reunite with friends and family. Its’ ephemeral production, meaning one can only buy it during the month of January makes the family gathering even more unique. During the damp and grey month of January, Parisians all look forward to enjoying a slice of the golden galette.