Galette, Galettes

A Quick Overview Of Galette, Galettes

'Galette, galettes' *(f) are referred to by the same name in both English and French. Traditionally galettes are buckwheat pancakes, but the term 'galette' can refer to a pancake, or any plain round cake - sweet or savoury. A potato galette, for example, may accompany meat dishes.

'Galette des rois' (the cake of kings) is made with puff pastry stuffed with a frangipane filling. It is eaten on the day of the Epiphany, and often referred to in English as 'Epiphany Cake' - this feast celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and is also called 'Twelfth Night'. The cake usually contains a trinket, and the finder is king for the day, and offered a paper crown to wear.

The singular and the plural forms are pronounced identically in French.

• galettes
• gah/leht