The King Cake has been a Mardi Gras tradition for many years. Decorated in the traditional colors of purple, green, and gold, this confection brings with it many charms and superstitions. Purple is used to symbolize royalty
or honor; green for growth or prosperity; and gold for money or wealth. Also, hidden inside this cake is a charm; a small plastic ornament; usually a baby, but, a small crown may also be used.

Entire parties have been centered around the King Cake. Each person takes a piece hoping to find the charm
inside. The recipient of the charm is "Crowned" King or Queen for the day. However, there is one catch to this
honor, it is the responsibility of that "King" or "Queen" to provide a cake for the next party.

Read this recipe thoroughly before beginning as it takes a little time. But, it's well worth it!

Dough

Ingredients:

2 packages dry yeast
4 1/4 cups bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons salt
1 stick margarine
2 eggs

Directions:

1.In large bowl combine yeast, two cups flour, sugar and salt. Mix well.
2.Heat milk, water and margarine on medium heat until margarine just melts.
3.Add immediately to the flour mixture and mix well.
4.Add eggs and beat on medium speed of your mixer for three minutes.
5.Gradually mix in the remaining 2 1/4 cups of flour until you can no longer use your mixer.
6.At this point begin working the rest of the flour in with your hands. This is all of the kneading you will need
to do.
7.Be sure that all of the flour is mixed in with even moisture and elasticity.
8.Transfer to a glass bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
9.While you are waiting for the dough to rise, mix the following filling recipe.

Filling

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons margarine
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1.Cream margarine and add sugars and cinnamon and nuts. Set aside.

Assembly

Directions:

1.Flour hands and place risen dough on a floured surface.
2.Roll dough into a rectangular shape about 1/8 inch thick.
3.Cut dough into four equal strips.
4.Spread each quarter with filling.
5.Fold each strip over and pinch the ends together.
6.DON'T forget to enclose a baby in two of the strips.
7.Braid two strips together and form into a circle, pinching the ends together.
8.Repeat with the other two strips.
9.Place each King Cake on a greased cookie sheet.
10.Cover and let rise one hour in a warm place.
11.Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees.
12.Cook each King Cake separately in the lower half of your oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
13.When each cake is done, remove to cooling rack and let cool completely before icing.

Icing

Ingredients:

2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons hot water, until glaze is of desired consistency

Directions:

1.Stir the first three ingredients together.
2.Begin adding the water until it reaches a thick glaze consistency.

If you wish to sprinkle the top with the three Mardi Gras colors, they can be easily made by dropping food color,
drop by drop into granulated sugar until you reach a desired color. Let the sugar sit for a little while before
sprinkling so it can dry out. Stir before applying to cake and try to sprinkle on top before the icing firms up.

Makes two King Cakes to serve 8 to 10 each.