King cake is a traditional dessert associated with the celebration of Mardi Gras, which is also known as Carnival in many cultures. The cake is typically consumed in the weeks leading up to Lent, culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
The king cake is named after the biblical Three Wise Men, who visited the baby Jesus on Epiphany, also known as the Twelfth Night or the Feast of Kings. The cake is round or oval-shaped, symbolizing the circular route taken by the Wise Men to avoid King Herod. It is often decorated with colored sugar or icing in the traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple (symbolizing justice), green (symbolizing faith), and gold (symbolizing power).
One of the defining features of a king cake is the hidden trinket or figurine inside, which represents the baby Jesus. In some traditions, this trinket might be a small plastic baby, a porcelain figure, or even a dried bean. Whoever finds the trinket in their slice is considered "king" or "queen" for the day and is often expected to host the next king cake celebration or party.
King cakes can vary in flavor and texture, but they are commonly made of a sweet, yeast-based dough and filled with various fillings such as cinnamon, cream cheese, fruit, or chocolate. Each region and bakery might have its own unique variation of the king cake.
Overall, the king cake holds significant cultural and religious importance in the Mardi Gras celebrations, and it is a beloved treat enjoyed by many during the festive season.
Where to Buy King Cake in St. Louis?
We can offer some general suggestions on where you might find a King Cake in St. Louis:
- Local Bakeries: Check with local bakeries and pastry shops in St. Louis. Some bakeries may offer King Cakes, especially during the Mardi Gras season.
- Specialty Food Stores: Look for specialty food stores or grocery stores that cater to a diverse range of cuisines. They might carry King Cakes during Mardi Gras or at other times.
- Online Retailers: Consider looking for online retailers that offer King Cakes and deliver to St. Louis.
- Cajun/Creole Restaurants: Restaurants that specialize in Cajun or Creole cuisine may have King Cakes available, especially during Mardi Gras.
- Social Media: Check local food-related groups or pages on social media platforms. People often share information about where to find specialty items like King Cakes.
- Contact Local Mardi Gras Organizations: Reach out to local Mardi Gras organizations or community groups that celebrate Mardi Gras in St. Louis. They might know where to find King Cakes.
Remember, availability might be seasonal, particularly around the Mardi Gras season. It's a good idea to call ahead or check online before visiting any location to ensure they have King Cakes in stock.
