Kings Cake History

I love this time of year because it means spending time with family and lots and LOTS of baking! This time of year, my house is sure to be full of candies, cookies, tamales and something called Rosca de Reyes that is deeeeelicious! For those of you unfamiliar with it, here is a brief history:

In some Spanish cultures it is tradition to make a "Rosca de Reyes" or (king's cake) for the holiday season. It is traditionally eaten on January 6, during the celebration of the "Día de Reyes" (Wise Men Day). In most of Spain, Mexico, and sometimes Hispanic communities in the United States, this is the day when children get presents from the Three Wise Men (not from Santa). They leave a shoe outside, filled with hay or dried grass for the animals the Kings ride, before they go to bed along with a note. The Mexican “rosca de reyes” has an oval shape. For decoration, Mexican people use dried and candied fruits like figs, quinces or cherries to decorate it.

I hope you have enjoyed learning a little about my Christmas tradition's. And of course I had to make it mini along with some good old fashioned sugar cookies. Enjoy!

FIRST TURKEY ATTEMPT

What's Christmas dinner without a turkey, ham or even pork leg?! My miniature group had a swap theme called Thanksgiving Feast and I was in charge of making the turkey. I was terrified of how it would turn out becuase I had never attempted to make one before. The first turkey came out ok, but I wasn't satisfied with the wings as they were MUCH too thick. My second turkey however, came out quite nicely as did my attempt at slicing one of them, or least I think it did, but I'll let you be the judge. Enjoy!