Galette des Rois

Celebrate Epiphany in style with a homemade easy recipe of galette des rois, a beloved French pastry traditionally enjoyed on January 6th—but perfect for sharing any day of the month! This flaky, buttery dessert is filled with a rich almond cream and hides a tiny charm (fève) for one lucky guest to find.

 Ingredients:

• 120g soft unsalted butter
• 120g sugar
• 120g ground almonds
• 10g cornflour (maizena)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 sheets of puff pastry
• 1 egg yolk
• A few drops of almond extract
• A fève (tiny charm) or a whole almond

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the almond cream filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, ground almonds, cornflour, and almond extract. Add the 2 eggs and mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the puff pastry base: Roll out your puff pastry and cut out two equal-sized circles (approx. 25cm in diameter, or adjust based on your desired size). For added height, cut a 2cm-wide strip of pastry and attach it around the edge of one circle using a little water.
4. Assemble the galette: Spread the almond cream thickly over the base circle, leaving a 2cm border around the edge. Hide the fève or whole almond in the cream. Lightly moisten the edges with water.
5. Seal the galette: Place the second circle of pastry over the almond cream, pressing gently along the edges to seal. Ensure no air is trapped inside.
6. Decorate and glaze: Mix the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush the top of the galette with the mixture. Using a sharp knife, gently score decorative patterns (e.g., spirals or diamonds) on the top, being careful not to cut through the pastry.
7. Bake: Place the galette on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the galette to cool slightly before slicing. Gather your friends or family and crown the lucky finder of the fève as king or queen!