CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This morning it's all about "King Cakes" actually "King cupcakes to be precise."
Joining us today: Chef Yvette Kerns, The Petite Cook Charlotte and Kaitlyn Alvas from "SAS Cupcakes". This is the perfect time to talk about King Cake, says Kerns. She adds “I am ( Petite Cook Charlotte) partnering with SAS Cupcakes for the month of February for Mardis Gras and Valentines." "Plus as we prepares for the holidays Who doesn’t love Cake” says Alvas. She adds “If you love cake then you are going to love this collaboration.”
King Cake has an interesting origin. Typically Americans usher in the new year with diets and lifestyle resolutions galore, but many people across the globe, predominantly Catholic countries celebrate the calendar change with a sweet pastry known as King Cake. It first appears in bakery cases at the beginning of each year and can be found at the center of celebrations through early spring. Some associate it with Mardi Gras, others with a celebration known as Epiphany.
King cake is eaten on January 6 in honor of Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, which historically marks the arrival of the three wise men/kings in Bethlehem who delivered gifts to the baby Jesus. (The plastic baby hidden inside king cakes today is a nod to this story.) King cake also appears on tables throughout the Carnival season, which runs from Epiphany to Fat Tuesday. “The colors of King Cake also represent something very special” says Kerns. She adds “most cakes are traditionally adorned in royal colors of purple, which signifies “justice,” green for “ growth in faith,” and gold meaning “having the power to prosper and accumulate wealth.” “Receiving the slice containing the baby or trinket (today in our case the cupcake) it either elevates the recipient to the king or queen of the party” says Alvas. That title does not come without obligation, though: The king or queen is required to either provide the king cake next year or host the next party.
For more great information and to order your King Cupcake visit www.petitecookcharlotte.com and www.sascupcakes.com and remember 10% off when using promo code PETITECOOKCLT or stop in to SAS Cupcakes off Rea Road Blakeney.