King Cake

     Mardis Gras in the St. Louis area is celebrated with a big parade, beads, masks and drinking. We have never joined in that big city tradition but enjoy the event in a quieter way at home. Jambalaya simmers on the stove, Hurricanes are sipped out of tall glasses, and a King Cake is served for dessert. This year I did not follow the original custom of baking a simple ring of dough but instead made a white cake, which I frosted and sprinkled with sugar in the Mardis Gras colors of purple, green and gold. Everyone was anxious to check their cake slices for the ceramic baby (I used a tiny kitten figurine - hey it was a baby, of sorts!) to see who would have good luck in the coming year.