French Deal

January 6th is Ephiphany - it's when Jesus had his first surprise party. Three wise men followed the star of Bethlehem and came to a shed rave armed with presents, surprisingly not bought in the January sales. This day is celebrated in France by eating the 'galette des rois' - cake of kings - a pastry and almond filled treat. You can get chocolate and other fillings, but almond filling is the preferred one in this region.

The cake is placed on the table and the most 'innocent' person attending (if identifiable) dishes each person up with an equal slice. Hidden in one slice is a surprise. Traditionally it was a bean of some kind, gold bars being hard to acquire in this day and age. The modern surprise can be a tiny ceramic Asterix or other Disney character but more often than not, it's a tiny king.

The lucky finder, provided dental treatment is not immediately required, chooses a king from the assembled group, if she's a gal - and if it's the other way round, the finder chooses a queen.

Monique invited five friends and we each had a slice and I won the little surprise and had to choose a king. There didn't seem to be any particular purpose for this choice because sadly I didn't suddenly inherit a chateau and instant pardon for all my french debts. Strangely enough, my surprise with a minute ceramic tile with tiny red peppers imprinted on it - must be a Basque thing.

Still I was chuffed and I was asked to consider an epiphany moment.

The only one I had in 2008 can be summed up in one word - Craghoppers. If you've never had a pair and it gets below zero - go to Blacks and get a pair. Gold, Frankinses and Myhrr have nothing on Craghoppers.

posted by French Deal @ 7:19 am