Sunday, March 6, 2011

King Cake


Highly sought after frequent flier or visitor upgrades bring a smile to our face.  Who wouldn't jump in elation as the airline employee smiles and says, "Well, Mrs. Liv Life, you are being upgraded to First Class on this leg of your journey." (This has only happened once, but I keep hoping every time I fly!!)  Like Jerry Seinfeld, I'm lucky enough to know the elusive comforts of first class...

Jerry: Elaine, have you ever flown first-class?
Elaine:
No.
Jerry:
All right then. See, you don't know what you're missing. I've flown first-class. I can't go back to coach. I can't, I won't.

Thankfully my mom received her own kind of upgrade this week when she was awarded a private room at Scripps Memorial Encinitas Hospital.  Arriving early in the morning a few days ago for a hip replacement, she was wheeled hours later to her coveted private room with a new hip along with an unfortunate complication.  The surgery had caused a small fracture to a part of the remaining bone as the new joint was being inserted, pushing her full recovery back some six weeks.  The private room was a godsend indeed!

While nurses, aids, doctors and volunteers all helped to make her stay more pleasurable, there really is no pleasure in having to ring for help every time you need to head to the bathroom.  Even less pleasure when the person who arrives to help you with this most private function is a man (no offense men, it's just a bit embarrassing...).  However, over the few days of her stay she came to truly appreciate those strong arms that helped her in and out of the bed, the chairs... and even to the bathroom.

Wanting to thank the many people who helped to make Mom's stay at the hospital (in her upgraded room) as pleasant as possible, I took the opportunity to open a new cookbook that had been sent my way.  Storey Publishing contacted me a few weeks ago asking if I would be interested in reviewing Krystina Castella's book AA World of Cake.  Jumping at the opportunity I was thrilled when my friendly UPS man dropped the eagerly awaited package into my waiting hands just a few days later.

Definitely not your typical cake book loaded with variations of frostings, cakes and decorations, Ms. Kastella has taken cakes from around the world and filled her pages with recipes, photos and most interestingly, history and lore.  Traveling to Italy for Panettone, to Israel for a special holiday Seed Cake, to Kenya for a Banana Cake with Crunchy N'Dizi (this post is up tomorrow!) and last but not least to New Orleans for a traditional King Cake, Liv and I spent well over an hour reading about the origins, traditions and stories that go along with the featured sweets.  Each recipe comes with variations for different tastes and occasions, along with a description of what you will be making.

Churros from Mexico were the first treats to catch Liv's eye, but the King Cake from New Orleans won out.  In California the 5th grade curriculum covers the United States with each child completing a detailed project on a certain state.  Last year Liv did her report on Louisiana, and what report on Louisiana would be complete without a Mardi Gras section featuring a King Cake??


Ms. Castella's synopsis of the King Cake would most definitely have come in handy last year as Liv was researching Mardi Gras food and traditions:


The French brought king cake to New Orleans in the eighteenth century, and for a hundred years this cake was associated with the Feast of Epiphany on January 6.  A bean, pea or small trinket would be baked into the cake and the person who found the hidden item was named king of the feast, said to have good luck for the next year.

Over time, the king cake became the official cake of Mardi Gras, the new Orleans carnival that kicks off on Epiphany and ends on Shrove Tuesday.  No Mardi Gras party is complete without its king cake.  Instead of a bean or trinket, Mardi Gras king cakes have a small ceramic or plastic baby baked into them, said to represent the baby Jesus.  The person who finds the baby is charged with, among other duties onerous or joyous, bringing the king cake to the next Mardi Gras party.

Filled with a luscious, lemon enhanced cream cheese layer this yeast cake is then topped with a sweet/tart lemon icing and decorated in bright Mardi Gras colored sugars for a brilliant presentation.  The directions were clear and easy to follow, providing us with a wonderful treat to bring to the hospital to share with those who have been such a comfort.

A World of Cake Giveaway!!!
(This 2011 giveaway is closed...) 
 
Storey Publishing was not only kind enough to send me a copy of A World of Cake
, but they have also offered to send one to one of our readers!!  To enter our giveaway simply leave a comment below with the country you would most likely check out first in the book.   We visited Mexico, Tortuga, Austria and then headed over to China for Mooncake.   Tomorrow we will bring you to Kenya for an amazing Banana Cake topped with a Crunchy N'Dizi... stay tuned!!


Leave your comment and country of choice below - the giveaway closes next Sunday, March 13. Unfortunately this giveaway is open only to United States residents....however, we'd still love to hear what country you are interested in even if you don't live here!




New Orleans King Cake
A World of Cake, page 50


Dough
1 Tbs active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk, warmed
4 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
5 egg yolks

Cream Cheese Filling
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
3 Tbs all-purpose flour
1 egg yolk
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
(makes about 1 1 2/ cups)


1 tiny plastic baby, hard candy or bean
1 egg white
1 Tbs milk


Lemon Icing
4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
yellow food coloring (optional)


Dissolve the yeast in the water.  Add 1 Tablespoon of sugar and the milk.  Let sit for 10 minutes. 

Dough:
Combine the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and lemon zest in a food processor or blender (I used my stand mixer).  Pulse three to five times to combine.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter and the remaining sugar until fluffy.  Beat in the egg yolks.  Gradually add the butter mixture to the flour mixture and process until coarse.  Then add the yeast mixture.  Pulse eight to ten times, until the dough forms a ball.  If it is too sticky, add more flour, 1 Tbs at a time.  If it is too dry add more water, 1 Tbs at a time.  Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover.  Let sit in a warm, dry place for at least 2 hours, until the dough doubles in volume. 

To Assemble:
Butter a large baking sheet.  When the dough is ready, punch it down a couple of times to flatten it a bit.  Divide the dough into three equal pieces.  Roll out one piece on a floured work surface to about 12 inches by 4 inches with a thickness of about 3/8 inch.  Spread one-third of the cream cheese filling (recipe below) over the dough, leaving a bare 1 inch on all sides.  Then roll up the long side of the dough, foring a long cylinder, and pinch the edges to seal.  Repeat with the other two pieces of dough.

Braid the three cylinders together then wrap the braid into a circle.  Where the ends come together, insert the plastic baby and pinch with ends together to seal, smoothing the dough to hide the seam.  Transfer the ring to the prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.  Let sit for 45 minutes, or until the dough doubles in volume. 

Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.  Beat the egg white with the milk.  When the dough is risen, brush it with the egg white mixture.  Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35 - 40 minutes, until golden, or a thermometer reads 200-210ºF.  Remove from oven and let cool. 

To Serve:
Pour or pipe the lemon icing (recipe below) over the cake.  Sprinkle immedieately with colored sugars.  Let the topping set before serving.

Cream Cheese Filling 
makes about 1 1/2 cups 

Combine the Cream cheese, sugar, flour egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl and mix until smooth.


Lemon Icing
Makes about 3 1/2 cups

Cream the sugar and butter until smooth.  Mix in the lemon juice, lemon zest and a drop of yellow food coloring if desired.

153 comments:

  1. ahh i'm definitely making a king cake today!! thanks for the recipe!

    i would check out austria first! :)

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  2. Great post! One extra hip goal that they should add: "At least 2 slices of Kim and Liv's King Cake to boost the spirits".

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  3. I found the baby once in a King Cake, I didn't know it was supposed to be in there and I was completely grossed out! Cool idea for a recipe, being in California we rarely see King Cake. I'd like to see what's inside the China section...

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  4. Oh Kim, this cake is absolutely splendid :-) Did you stick a trinket in it? And how was it received at the hospital? The Vasilopita cake from Greece sounds like a great excuse to get my Greek on ;-) I've never been but would like to go... very soon! Perhaps I should nudge my mother to send me there this summer so I can also visit my relatives, haha.

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  5. this is a king cake lots of flavours looks wonderfully delicious

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  6. There's a place here in San Francisco that now makes King's Cupcakes! But I always wondered how they would do that with the baby...I'd visit China; even though it's my background, I still have no idea how to make any Chinese desserts. Lovely post, I hope your mom is back up on her feet quickly.

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  7. LOVE King Cake...perfect for Mardi Gras on Tuesday! I just posted a recipe for Cajun fish sandwiches that are a good option for Fat Tuesday ;)!! If I was to win your cookbook? I'd go to France first...that's sure to have some wonderful cake options to try, yes?

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  8. Your king cake is gorgeous, and I keep hearing wonderful things about this book! Austria sounds good, I could do Austria from it! I hope your mum continues to heal well and get strong.

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  9. I have never heard of a king cake, but this beauty caught my eye with the pretty frosting colors, and then I saw the cream cheese in the filling, well that was a clincher, I am going to attempt to make this cake!
    A cake from Mexico would be nice!

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  10. Beautiful cake. I would love to see what the book has from Lebanon or Morocco.

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  11. This looks divine, can almost taste it! Will be making it tomorrow, thanks.
    Sheelagh :)

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  12. I'm hoping with loving attention from you, your mom will be back up and walking around in no time. This king cake is something I'd love to try, never made one before. Or maybe an Asian cake, I might have a hard time choosing. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
    -Gina-

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  13. This looks so delish. I am so glad your mother is doing well, a private room is the best. I had one when I had my daughter and cherished it.

    Is Croatia in this book? I just found out recently I am 25% croatian.

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  14. Hi,What a great cake ....Gorgeous!!!
    The Tortuga section is making me curious, so i would like to check it out...

    Kisses,
    Rita

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  15. What a beautiful cake! I have long wanted to make a King Cake - now I have a great recipe! Glad to hear that your Mom is on the mend. Have a terrific Sunday!

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  16. Few years back I also lucked out and was bumped up to first class for an overseas flight! 10 hours of pure enjoyment. :) And just as you, I always hope that I'm going to get lucky again... it hasn't happened since.

    The King Cake is gorgeous!

    I'd love to see what they would put in there for a cake from Macedonia!

    Well wishes for your Mom!

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  17. Mmmm, hard to decide! I'm curious what the cakes are like from Asia.

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  18. Lovely cake !!!!Wishing i could have a slice of it as i type this :).....

    I would love to try the cakes from Morocco !!!!

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  19. I have sisters in law who are from Greece and China and the US so I think I would like to go to China and Greece.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  20. I would check out the Mediterranean recipes first!

    craftyfusion at gmail

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  21. Austria

    Thanks for the recipe. I am making one tomorrow.

    Best of luck to your mom!

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  22. Your king cake looks amazing. I love how colorful those cakes are. I would definitely start with cakes in Eastern Europe.

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  23. First of all, I'm glad for your mom that she was made as comfortable as possible during her stay at the hospital. Secondly, I'd love to add this book to my collection! I'd visit a country in South America probably. I'm not that familiar with their desserts so that would top my list. Your New Orleans King Cake is gorgeous!!!

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  24. First of all- it looks like the cake turned out perfect. I like that it has a lemon frosting!!
    Which country...hmmm. I think I want to say Scotland (if that country is in the book). The only treat I've ever made from there is shortbread.

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  25. I have never tried a King Cake before, but this looks uber yummy!! My mom says Tortuga sounds good, because she is wondering if it will feature a rum cake. To me, the Mexican Churro sounds the best :-)

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  26. I love the drizzle on top of the cake! Great post and photos!

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  27. First time I have seen this cake, but I realy like how it looks. I wanna try making it

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  28. Hope your mom is doing well! The lemon frosting it your King cake sounds wonderful! I think I'd check out the cakes in Italy first.

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  29. Oh wow..looks so moist and colorful! Love this version!stunning photos:)

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  30. hope you're mom is doing well.
    Loved the story of the cake and would definitely love a piece of it.
    i'd go with Kenya or another African country.

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  31. I can certainly empathize with your Mom, because I have had a hip replacement and revision. Lots of physical therapy.

    Great minds think alike, because I also made King Cake on my latest blog') I wanted to post it earlier, but it didn't work out. Your cake is gorgeous, and different from mine. I love your photos, always great.

    I would like to visit Austria!

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  32. What a beautiful cake! If I won the cookbook I think I would go for an Asian country. I'm not too familiar with cakes from that area of the world.

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  33. Totally want to learn about a Kenyan cake!

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  34. funny i have no idea. perhaps ireland ...

    jacquieastemborski AT comcast DOT net

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  35. Get Well Wishes to your mom. Hospital stays are rough.
    Cool giveaway. I would check out Mexico first.

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  36. What a lovely looking cake, I love the creamcheese filling! Yummy! Beautiful photos!

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  37. PLEASE hug mom for me I hope she recovers faster than expected. It's hard to rely on others for basic functions and to have that person be a man can be awkward. Please keep me posted, I wish there were something I could do.

    You did a beautiful job on this cake! I love all the colors of sprinkles. :)

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  38. Hope your mum is doing well.
    The king cake looks marvellous. Thank you for the recipe.

    It is so unfortunate that I am not eligible for any giveaways. I live in Bahrain ( middle east) and there aren't many food bloggers in this part of the world to come up with contests such as these. Also,it becomes extremely expensive to ship to this part of the world.

    I guess only when I move out of this place, will I be able to enjoy participating in give aways:(

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  39. Gosh, this is brilliantly done! Loved the recipe and awesome it looks.

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  40. I would love to visit Australia in the book.

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  41. I'd first flip to Italy!

    ljyoung85 at gmail.com

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  42. I would love to travel to Greece!

    montlyn111@yahoo.com

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  43. I'd probably go to Greece first, then maybe China..I've always wanted to try a mooncake!

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  44. China would be my first choice! Debbmarie@me.com

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  45. I'd be all over Italy, it's my dream to go there.
    The King Cake looks delish!! ~Megan @ Wanna Be A County Cleaver

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  46. mmmm--looks delicious! out of curiosity I'd probably look at cakes from India first, or maybe cakes from Mexico...

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  47. I'd visit Russia. It's one of the places my family is from, but know the least about.

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  48. Ireland! I'm not sure if that's an option, if not, I'd say Italy would be fantastic!

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  49. Wow your King Cake is gorgeous! I think I'd first visit Kenya...the banana cake with crunchy d'nizi sounds incredible!

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  50. I'd start alphabetically & work my way through.. after making this King Cake 1st. It looks incredible!

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  51. I have never had king cake but I am seeing it everywhere and yours is certainly the most pretty I have seen! Looks so amazing! I would have to say Italy

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  52. Beautiful King Cake! I think I'd want to learn more about cakes from Hungary. I love kolache, and would hope that perhaps one is included in this book!

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  53. This is the prettiest King Cake I've ever seen!
    I would probably pick Kenya!

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  54. This looks delicious! I've always wanted to try a King Cake! Glad to hear your Mom is doing ok and has a private room so she can rest.

    I would like to see cakes from Germany and Austria. The Sachertortes and Strudels and Black Forest Cakes, oh my!

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  55. I would visit Austria...and then all the others!

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  56. I did a king cake last year, but this recipe looks so much easier. It's too bad I can't fit in baking one by tomorrow. I might have to conveniently forget about the no king cake until the next Carnival season. Happy Mardi Gras!

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  57. I'm a nurse and can totally understand the roughness in hospital stays. I hope your mom is doing well. I myself would first check out what Central American desserts they have first. Mainly because that's where I travel mainly when I do medical mission work and the food is always amazing!!
    Is Guatemala or Costa Rica in there??

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  58. Jodi - jodibosin@gmail.comMarch 7, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I'd check out SPAIN because I'm going there in the fall to study abroad!

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  59. This is indeed fit for kings - and recovering moms. Your cake is inspiring. Sending good thoughts and cheers via cybersphere to your mother!

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  60. Private rooms are a godsend! My husband just had colon cancer surgery and was in a private room for 9 days - while you still don't get rest, at least I had room to sit with him and be comfortable.

    I don't bake very often because I am more of a cook than a baker - if you have time, check out the cake I made for my daughters birthday today - mocha chocolate cake with coffee bean brittle - I think it turned out good!

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  61. Oh that king cake would be my pick! Hands down! So United States. But that Israel cake sounds good too.

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  62. Hello! How much fun are YOU having??!!! I'd love to see if there is anything from Sweden!

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  63. Your cake turned out so pretty, lovely pics of it as well. I was always sad I never found the baby in French class, I wanted to be king!

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  64. Yay for King Cake! I was always scared I would break a tooth on the baby! This is gorgeous, esp. with the lemon - Great job - Good thoughts for Mom!

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  65. Oh I'd look and see if Poland made the list. I can't find good Polish food in the NOVA area and I'm dying for some. If it's not in the book, the cake from Kenya sounds awesome, so I'd check that out first.

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  66. What an unbelievably yummy looking cake! Perfect for Mardi Gras. Thanks for sharing!

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  67. I would love to see cake recipes from China

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  68. I think I would first visit China...and then of course all the others too :)
    this king cake looks amazing so in the meantime I'll try this one!

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  69. My son is in the Foreign Service and is posted in the Middle East. I would love to see a cake from any country there! And perhaps, one that could be made here in the US and shipped to him! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  70. Thanks for the recipe...My family has been talking about King cake lately, I think I'll surprise them with some!
    I'd love to try some Asian desserts...Can't imagine what they'd be like!

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  71. I've never made a King cake, or been upgraded to first class, but both sound wonderful :)

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  72. This cake looks like so much fun!
    I hope you had good luck with your macarons this weekend ;)

    Christina xo

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  73. Thanks! I think Austria for me.

    Chris M.

    zekks at yahoo dot com

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  74. That cake is fantastic! Looks so delicious!
    I also wanted to let you know that I passed on the 'One Lovely Blog Award' to you -
    http://vanillacloudsandlemondrops.blogspot.com/2011/03/pink-champagne-truffles-and-awards.html

    Thanks!

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  75. Look at that great cake. What a beautiful way to celebrate Marti Gras. :) And an awesome giveaway. I follow you on FB and TW.

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  76. I was hoping your giveaway would be this stunning cake. I've had 'Galette de Roi' in France at Epiphany but it wasn't a patch on this beauty. King Cake has certainly grown and benefitted from its adopted country.

    (Hope your mom is recovering well.)

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  77. The King Cake looks delicious! I'll bet Austria would have some good cakes.

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  78. Hi Kim & Liv

    you are rocking the house with your images!! #1 again on the top 9 do I sense a trend!
    Your cake does look spectacular, especially with that cream cheese filling!!1
    I do hope your moms recovery is swift and that she is back to her old self soon!
    Cheers
    Dennis

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  79. Congrats on the Top 9 Today! Hope that your Mom is feeling better soon.

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  80. Congrats on your top 9 today. I made this King cake this year and two others. I found there was too much cream cheese which affected the rolls. I would probably cut back on the amount if I were to try it again. Tasted great and I have yet to post.

    It would be Italy as we are heading there this summer and there so much focus on pasta etc...that I want to see their baking. I loved an Italian bread pudding we recently made.

    Thanks for sharing and great blog.

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  81. Happy Mardi Gras to you guys! This King Cake looks fabulous and you've definitely sold me on this book! Sounds fantastic, and I've have to say that I'd start with good ol' Louisiana myself if I won!

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  82. A beautiful cake and photo. I hope your mom's recovery is going smoothly. Congrats on another Top 9.

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  83. Wow...I can't wait to make this cake!...and like most cooks, I hope I win the cook book - would be a great addition to my foodie library.

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  84. With St. Patrick's Day coming up, I'd check out Ireland first. ;)

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  85. Your cake looks very pretty! I wold love to try making it or the moon cakes from China!

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  86. I think I would go for Italy first!! Thanks for the post, looks amazing!!!

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  87. I would probably go straight to France. I'm sure there's something fabulous in there.

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  88. Austria, France.... geez anywhere would be exciting!

    Happy Day,
    Jasey @ Crazy Daisy
    crazyjazyplace.blogspot.com

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  89. Excellent post. I need some cake now, please.
    :-D

    Alba Olaya

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  90. Turkey, no question. My best friend's family is from Ankara, and her mother always makes divine concoctions involving philo dough, rose water, and pistachios. Unfortunately, she doesn't believe in recipes and measurements, so I can never duplicate her creations in my own kitchen!

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  91. I've only had King Cake once in my life, but I've never forgotten it! And if I have to pick only one country, it would have to be Mexico.

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  92. Kim - This cake is absolutely gorgeous! France would be my choice.

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  93. This looks divine! I've never had it but my hubby keeps pointing them out in the store! Might have to make it! I made an awesome and yet still "light" jambalaya last night and posted it for my Fat Tuesday blog post! It was delish. This would be a great dessert for after!

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  94. Beautiful cake, Kim. Beats the pants off of those pancakes my mother-in-law makes for Shrove Tuesday. Congrats on a great post!

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  95. Today is Fat Tuesday, how fitting that your beautiful King Cake is # 1 on the Top 9! Italy would be my choice. Hope your mother gains strength, stays positive, and is on the road to recovery soon.

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  96. Gorgeous cake! I make my king cake with cinnamon but I bet the lemon is delicious! If I had to pick one country I think I'd go with Mexico, but China and France would be neck and neck for second :)

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  97. I miss the food in New Orleans. If I owned the book I would love to see what cakes they make in New Zealand.

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  98. I was just alerted by my husband that he got the baby at the Fat Tuesday Office Party Breakfast. So, I will be making the King Cake next year. Glad to have the recipe and will save it for then.

    This cookbook sounds awesome! I agree with She's Cookin' and would "tour" Italy first!

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  99. I would love to check out some Eastern European cakes! Otherwise maybe I would like Chinese cakes if I could make them without bean paste!

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  100. My family fell in love with the people of New Orleans after visiting a few years ago to help with Hurricane Katrina cleanup. We have returned several times since and right after the joy of reconnecting with new friends is their amazing food.

    Another place near and dear to us is Africa, especially Ethiopia, so I would love to know more about their food.

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  101. The Kenya cake! I work at a college and a young woman I know is currently studying abroad there. She's told me that the cakes in Kenya aren't as good as mine. I'd like to surprise her when she comes home in mid-April with a Kenyan cake made by me!

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  102. I like trying different king cake recipes...they remind me of home (southern Louisiana). Thank you for sharing this one, and Happy Mardi Gras!

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  103. congrats on top 9! the king cake looks lovely! The country I would love to visit (again) would be Spain!

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  104. Wow,that looks delicious! You have just helped me decide on my theme for hosting my ladies' Bunco group this month! Mardi Gras! I think the King Cake will the the "icing on the cake" (sorry about that!). There are so many places I'd like to visit, my daughter is a History & English Major and has been pestering us to take her to Ireland so I guess that would be tops on my list.

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  105. Your cake looks really good! If I got my hands on that book I think my first stop would be Italy ... I've been looking for a good panettone recipe and techniques for preparation for a while.

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  106. We were just talking about king cake! I have never had it and am so intrigued on the flavors and texture! I'd love to try it, so of course I'd love that book :)

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  107. Mmm! I couldn't even begin to pick what country to visit first. But if I HAD to, maybe I'll start with Scotland!

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  108. Wonderful!! I think I would have to pick Spain....

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  109. Happy Mardi Gras! Congrats on top 9!

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  110. China for mooncake sounds good!

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  111. What a beautiful picture and recipe! Congratulations on Top 9!!!

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  112. Beatiful presentation. Delicious recipe!!! Congrats!!

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  113. Looks scrumptious! I would be interested to see what cakes China has to offer!

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  114. Kim-This is truly the most beautiful and colorful King Cake I have ever seen. The recipe, and the filling sounds fantastic, and the photo presentation with all the colors, and the gorgeous beads "blows" me away.
    Congratulations!
    xoxo

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  115. Beautiful cake and blog! Thank you for the give away... I would have to say I'd like so see what kind of cakes somewhere in the Caribbean has to offer. Maybe something made with plantains... yum!

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  116. I had no idea that kings cake was lemony! How good does that sound!?

    Is Brasil in the World of Cakes? That's what I would check out first.

    jskidmoreca@yahoo.com

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  117. My first look in the book would definitely be for Germany as you can imagine!

    What a gorgeous King Cake, that really makes me want a piece.

    I hope your mom does feel better and stronger with each day, and being upgraded to a nice private room, definitely makes all the difference. I'll be sending some healing vibes your mom's way!

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  118. Wow, absolutely gorgeous, I love your presentation! And it sounds so good with the cream cheese filling and the lemon icing, excellent!

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  119. Tortuga - most definitely - I am thinking it must be a rum cake of some sort and I adore Tortuga Rum Cake!

    Thanks for the King Cake recipe -- we must try after Lent!

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  120. I would be interested in seeing what cake they would have in Italy. Yummy giveaway!

    the1chiropractor@hotmail.com

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  121. Fabulous looking king cake...I can't resist cream cheese filling! Congrats on the Top 9...well deserved!

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  122. Austria or Germany. I love the food from there!

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  123. I'm originally from New Orleans and I miss King Cake, especially during this time of year (Mardi Gras)! I can't wait to try my hands at baking a king cake.

    I would love to learn about the mooncakes from China!

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  124. Congrats on Top 9 today! What a beautiful cake, it looks and sounds delicious! I really need to try this recipe. The book sounds fantastic!

    I would visit Italy first! Those Italians know what to do with food! :)

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  126. I just discovered your blog and I love it! I am going into the kitchen right now to prepare the ingredients to make this cake. I feel it is going to be a long and rewarding night. Thankfully, I am on vacation this week. I would love to visit Poland, my country of origin. Thanks for a great recipe and a lovely blog!

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  127. Beautiful King Cake! I made one last week with my grandson. It came out great and we all enjoyed it! Holland would be a good place to start!

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  128. I just had my first king cake and it was great!
    I would first check out France. They make the most beautiful desserts.

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  129. This King Cake recipe looks amazing! I had it in my Spanish high school class way back in the day, and I would choose Mexico first because I just love their culture! What a wonderful book!

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  130. Did you see Dave's comment near the top about finding the baby and being grossed out? That made me laugh out loud. Growing up we had the trinket in the cake, though I don't remember the name being associated with it. I was just a kid though; cake was cake.

    Your cake is absolutely beautiful. Of course, the words cream cheese really caught my eye. Any cake is enhanced with that! There are so many countries that I don't associate "cakes" so I'd be interested in seeing if Russia, Mongolia, Greece or Peru have something traditional in that area. Weird, huh.

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  131. Melissa (Misslissy@aol.com)March 8, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    I would visit Ireland followed by Switzerland and Australia!

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  132. First of all, that king cake look delish! My mom's from New Orleans, so king cake has always been a fun part of Easter in my house. If I were to win the cookbook, I would definitely check out the yummy treats from Austria, since I've always wanted to go there (which, for me, would involve a lot of eating). :D

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  133. Looks incredible!! It is so funny that we were both chosen for the same giveaway at the same time! Hahaha! Your king cake looks amazing...I will definitely be making this again (minus the creepy baby!) and trying out your delicious lemon cream cheese filing. :)

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  134. Anything with cream cheese = yum!! I'd love to see if they have any cakes from India!

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  136. This sounds so delicious. I can't wait to try it :)
    I would pick Italy.

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  137. The kids were asking for a King Cake; they especially love the cream cheese filling. I'm missing a few ingredients but will definitely try your recipe by this weekend. BTW, lovely food composition; it looks very festive!

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  138. I would skip straight to Europe...specifically Sweden and Belgium. Give me something sweet and chocolatey! :)

    caroline@chocolateandcarrots.com

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  139. It brought me such joy to see your King Cake at number 1 the other day! Congrats!! Your cake is beautfil and looks so very tasty. I've never had one but I just may try this next year! That lemon icing...HELLO!! Also, so glad to hear about your mom on the road to recovery- may it be speedy! I'm so glad she has you and family around her for support.

    Oh, and I would go to Scotland. For sure! ♥- Katrina

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  140. My grandmother and mother made an amazing ricotta cheesecake. I've made it a few times but no one inmy immediate or extended family is a cheesecake lover, if you can believe it! I'd love to travel to Palermo, Sicily and find those relatives with whom the recipe originated :-) Love your site, Kim!!

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  141. id love to check out singapore or malaysia - such interesting bakes there!
    Buttercreambarbie by the way i'm canadian but have a US address too ;)

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  142. I'd love to check out all of the cakes, but first would probably be Ireland!

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  143. This looks like a wonderful book and one I'd love to bake my way through. I'd spend some time in India first. I know nothing about their traditional baked goods, but would love to try some.

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  144. I love the pictures on your site. The recipes are even better. (I made the Black Bean Stew with Butternut Squash, this week.) It was, as good, if not better than the picture.

    I so loved my past trips to Buenos Aires,Argentina. I remember a wonderful chocolate cake at the local bakery, that I bought on each trip. The people, the food, and the wine, were wonderful. DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA, but I sure do miss you!

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  145. Your banana cake recipe brought me here. Looks delicious! I've travelled a lot, but have so many more places I'd love to visit...I'll put Greece, Morocco, and Peru {Machu Pichu} at the top of my list!

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  146. Hi! I found you through Chef Dennis's blog. I loved your story and your pictures! I have never tried King Cake but I may have to attempt making it one of these days.

    As far as the giveaway goes...I would love, love, LOVE to visit Italy.

    I look forward to more of your blog posts!!

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  147. I would love to see how Asia, particularly India, is represented in the cake world!

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  148. I have never made a King Cake, but always "meant" to. This year's passing by too quickly already! This looks and sounds amazing. I would probably go to Mexico first...but followed by each of the others in quick succession!! Thanks for the opportunity :D

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  149. This has always been a favorite cake of minE. I think I would visit Greece.

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