Kitchen Meditations with Kendall Vanderslice

On King Cake

4 snips
Feb 19, 2023
Dive into the colorful world of King Cake, a sweet symbol of Mardi Gras steeped in history and celebration. Explore its intriguing origins and the festive rituals surrounding Carnival traditions. The podcast contrasts the vibrant King Cake with the French Galette de Rois and delves into the significance of Shrove Tuesday treats like Semlor and Paczki. Discover how these delicious pastries serve as a prelude to Lent, weaving together themes of indulgence, community, and cultural heritage.
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ANECDOTE

The King Cake Baby

  • Kendall Vanderslice's classmate brought a king cake to school, and they all hoped to find the baby inside.
  • The classmate who found it panicked, believing he had to buy the next cake.
INSIGHT

Carnival and King Cake

  • In the US, king cake is tied to Mardi Gras, the culmination of Carnival season, starting on January 6th.
  • Carnival is a season of social upheaval, reversing norms with costumes and rich foods.
INSIGHT

Carnival's Purpose

  • Carnival celebrations, like Purim and Halloween, involve costumes and rich treats.
  • This sanctioned disorder mocks the ruling class, especially in formerly colonized areas.
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