(Family Features) - All hail the King Cake! The center of any Mardi Gras or Carnival season, King Cake supports a tradition with a regal reputation.
Each person attending a Mardi Gras party takes a piece of cake hoping to find the hidden token inside. The recipient is then "crowned" King or Queen for the day and appointed the host for next year's party.
Begin the King Cake tradition in your home by using a Cascade pan - its unique shape will add a crowning touch to the festivities! While the original King Cakes are made with bread dough, this version is made extra easy with packaged hot roll mix and just a few additional ingredients. Scoop half of the dough into the pan, then add a Candy Melt? as the hidden token. Add the remaining bread mixture and bake. After cooling, decorate with Mardi Gras themed cake sparkles - purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power.
King Cakes came to New Orleans with the French settlers around 1870, continuing a custom dating back to twelfth century France. In homage to this city in need, plan your celebration today and consider adding an option for guests to donate to a New Orleans charity.
For more fun baking and decorating ideas, visit www.wilton.com.