King cakes, a sweet Mardi Gras tradition

[@christinasantini8020]

Love seeing the Big Easy coming back to life, after the last two! What happens there-year round- is such an important part of our American culture.

[@lewstone5430]

What? The twenty-something’s barfing in alleys? Or the unwanted pregnancies?

[@kristirowell2809]

@@lewstone5430 you will never understand... it's so much more than that.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

I'm a native Houstonian. Galveston, Texas has a great Mardis Gras(I've participated in many times) I was introduced to King Cake (by a friend from Louisiana) a few decades ago. I bring them to work & share with others. I get them from local bakers. It's fun to share in this wonderful tradition. I also used to do pancake supper (also as a variation of having King Cake) Thank You CBS Morning! One of my favorite ways for weekend wind Down.

[@IntriguedLioness]

Years ago I managed big citywide conventions and we brought a ton of money to New Orleans. I only saw New Orleans from the tour bus as we did our dine arounds and other tours. I saw every inch of the convention center. A few years ago I took a personal trip back, I did absolutely nothing touristy. I walked the neighborhoods, took photos, and then asked the locals where I should have lunch. The epitome of southern hospitality and the historic combination of cultures in the food is unrivaled! And yes I once got the baby and I haven't been back to get the cake so I'm owed a trip! Great segment, thank you!

[@mizlandry]

if you get the baby you have to BRING the next cake, fyi! i suggest you make a trip during carnival and get a king cake and share!

[@emmanuelventura4252]

This is why I love being Mexican. We have that same tradition but its during the 3 kingsman day and we call it a ROSCA DE REYES. It has a baby Jesus inside and who ever gets it has to make Tamales!

[@grahamjonesfamily1634]

The Mexican rosca is better than the king cake. I've tried them both

[@chrisfinch8637]

Louisiana has a lot of beautiful scenery, and a grand tradition of jazz and annual celebrations, like Mardi Gras, and have unique dishes like red beans & rice, crawfish, gumbo, and jambalaya.

[@semipenguin]

About ten years ago, I had to spend three days in Slidell, LA waiting to get my trailer fixed at a truck stop. Around the corner is a Rouses Market. I wandered inside and found a table filled with King Cakes. I bought about five of them. On for me, the rest for people I thought might enjoy them. When they say you can’t eat them alone, I beg to differ. I got to enjoy mine by myself. Slowly nibbling away at it, while I waited for repairs to my trailer.

[@dsraverstar]

Mexico does the same thing on Epiphany with the Rosca de Reyes. But, the baby does represent J.C.

[@johnclement9370]

I love New Orleans, Mardi Gras and King Cakes. Always a good time in America's most interesting city... New Orleans, Baby!! :-)

[@qiiandii]

Happy Mardi Gras 💜💚💛!

[@FalconsEye58094]

I know it seems like a stretch to call it American but this really feels like a rare example of our actual culture and I really wish there were more

[@caelidhg6261]

but that is what makes it "American" ...... Just to be a snaggle.... Canadians are AMERICANS too.. we all live in North America... so we are all AMERICANS.. and even South America..

[@cyrilmauras4247]

The comment in the piece about not knowing why the baby is in the cake, King Cakes are sold only on and after the Catholic celebration day of the Epiphany, on January 6th, traditionally to honor (after Christmas) when Jesus, as a baby, was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. The New Orleans King Cake tradition starts on the Epiphany and ends on Mardi Gras day, the day before the start of Lent.

[@mizlandry]

yeah that was some lazy journalism!

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

First time I ate King Cake nobody told me about the baby, almost choked on it 🤪

[@larrycj4382]

As King Cakes are not available where I live (and the last time I ordered one the shipping was delayed) I bake one on Mardi Gras! If you are a baker and are used to making bread, you can certainly make a delicious filled King Cake yourself - lots of great recipes out there. It's fun too!

[@didyouknowamazingfacts2790]

I love my city!!

[@evenmoney]

One of the many foods in Nola that is worth every damn calorie.

[@pinkpastelhearts]

tradition is if you find the baby in one of your cake slices, youre blessed with good fortune and prosperity for that year.

[@NAM-fk3jv]

Oh Yes!...1 King Cake from Randazzo's....1 large pot of New Orleans Style Coffee!...A form of Heaven on Earth!

[@wendywendy8379]

By the way, the King Cake is a tradition throughout the entire state, as is Mardi Gras. It’s not just a New Orleans thing. And there are amazing bakeries throughout Louisiana. The Pelican State is full of the finest bakeries offering true French pastries…It’s not just in the big easy. New Orleans is great. But there’s more to see than just Bourbon St. The best chefs and best bakeries aren’t in NOLA alone. That’s only the creole culture. Drive west to Houma, and Lafayette and see Cajun country to find beautiful Cajun restaurants and French bakeries, and Cajun cuisine and culture. The entire state has something unique to offer. Signed, a native Louisianan.

[@mizlandry]

new orleans, tho, did start if off and ran with it. i love my king cake from cannatas in houma tho!

[@melissageiger71]

Gambino's 💜💚💛

[@mililaniman]

I would like to eat a king cake.

[@peaceandallgood6300]

It can be ordered online!

[@iLoveBoysandBerries]

The best tasting choking hazard

[@jons.6216]

A few years ago we got some leftovers from a Trader Joe's! Delicious! But I've gone looking for them again but wasn't lucky!

[@daniellozano8057]

Wished we had carnival celebrations in West Texas.

[@ronstallworth9421]

Beignets are better. So are lots of other foods from New Orleans.

[@peaceandallgood6300]

The colors of Mardi Gras (the Carnival season, from January 6 to Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday) are: gold, for the Three Kings (Dia de Los Reyes)--Carnival's beginning, green, for the season "after Epiphany" or "Ordinary Time", and purple, anticipating the season of Lent, marked by Ash Wednesday--Carnival's end.

[@spacenerd9499]

I got my king Cake this year!!

[@romstar]

I’ve never had a traditional king 👑 cake 🍰-I suppose they taste like any other, maybe a bit custard like from the looks of them...🙏😘❤️

[@iLoveBoysandBerries]

Pretty gross

[@cyrilmauras4247]

Originally, New Orleans King Cakes were made from a slightly sweetened brioche dough. Now, they are generally made like cinnamon rolls.

[@romstar]

@@cyrilmauras4247 Thanks 🙏 😊 I figured they taste something like that -😇

[@peaceandallgood6300]

You can order one online next year and have a party! You may also find Mexican versions at a Mexican bakery around January 6.

[@romstar]

@@peaceandallgood6300 aww 😊 thank you 🙏 so much!!😇

[@CAMBODiANCh1natownChick]

I remember seeing these cakes on the Amazing Race

[@dinellewatson1507]

There's something that's been on my mind. When I was growing up in New Orleans, my mom would get king cakes from either McKenzie bakery (ain't Derek no more) or Joe Gambino's bakery. My dad turned me on to Manny Randazzo's king cakes when I enlisted post-Katrina. Which two is better? Gambino's or Randazzo's?

[@qiiandii]

McKenzie’s will always be my forever favorite. From the plain - no filling- sweet brioche one with the colored PurGreGol sugars; to the iced cinnamon - coffe cake one. Tastee’s has the taste, shape and colors of the brioche one, but the consistency is not like the original. However, since they are the ones with the McK’s recipe - this is where my money goes. Yes, I’ve tried others; but my heart 💜 💚💛 belongs to McKenzie’s.

[@StacyPowerhouse]

I want to taste a king cake 😭 hopefully I get to this year.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

You can order one on line, they are shipped anywhere. GOOGLE "New Orleans King Cake" to find a bakery to order one from.

[@reuben.x.herrera1930]

Whole Foods has them. Like $29.

[@ElizabethE1267]

The interviewer of this story is almost rude in his lack of engagement…..he looks bored while asking questions and doesn’t even attempt to cover it.

[@johnfd0210]

I agree. This was a very poorly done segment. Why the colors green, yellow, and purple? Why that shape? I always see these cakes in the local grocery (at this time of year) so watched this to learn something. Will have to find the information elsewhere.

[@evans54]

@@johnfd0210 some people got nothing better to do than find fault

[@lewstone5430]

@evans54 the criticism is valid, I noticed these things too. Maybe you’re too sensitive.

[@ElizabethE1267]

@@evans54 I have plenty to do. When I spend my precious time watching one of my favorite shows which typically has the best interviewers, I expect it to be excellent. This interviewer did a poor job. You may like it but I don’t. I’m entitled to my opinion and to express it. Perhaps you’re the kind of person who has nothing better to do than to just be contrary to others with no purpose other than to be contrary.

[@evans54]

@@ElizabethE1267 I watch every week and it was just fine

[@selenesantoyo2317]

Can someone explain the real reason of a king cake???

[@ginameansqueen]

I'm sure they're great and all, but have you ever had a paczki? Hand held heaven

[@cyrilmauras4247]

TRADITION! What is the real reason to eat turkey on Thanksgiving? What is the real reason to eat corned beef and cabbage on St Patrick's Day? What is the real reason to eat chocolates on Valentines day?

[@Ziploc530]

Kings cake was started on the twelfth day after Christmas (hence the carol) which would be January 6th 12 days after Christmas and people would put a bean or a pea in the cake and whoever got the bean was king for the day and pea was the queen for the day. It also begins carnival season

[@kylerobin372]

I was there for a fortnight the final week of carnival and (shush, don't tell anyone) ate a Randazzo's king cake by myself. LOL. Don't tell my friends LOL. Ca c'est tres bonne.

[@Kaytecando]

Oh, 😋 Yummy! NOLA really knows how to do food! The colors (gold, green and purple each symbolize a specific trait. Google it. Happy Mardi Gras!

[@nola3058]

Those Mardi gras colors was established by the New Orleans Mardi gras Krewe of Rex in the year 1872! Side note: two Louisiana Universities (Tulane and LSU) established their school colors from these Mardi gras banner colors-LSU chose purple and gold, Tulane chose green and the mystic society parade groups of Mobile chose purple and gold also!) 😉

[@Blessedbeyondmeasure23]

Sounds like the Christmas cake with baby Jesus

[@kelleyowen9376]

Love Thier celebration of fat Tuesdays 💞 Big Easy💯🙏🥰

[@alexwells9948]

5:15 When Sunday Morning returns the history of Ukraine

[@LawnBunny777]

But doesn't the plastic baby melt when you bake it?

[@JamieMcgee518]

In my office, I won a cash prize for finding the baby Jesus doll... Later I was told, I should have brought a present, for the office, with the money. ... excuse me , for not knowing !!!!

[@jeromelombardo6053]

rosca de reis

[@solmyrwizard229]

People fly in for mardi gras so we dont just eat all of the cakes thanks very much.

[@caliscribe2120]

When I lived in New Orleans (87-92), the king cakes were not my favorite. I remember them as being dry, including the frosting. Maybe the cakes suffered in comparison to the rest of the food, or since it was during Mardi Gras season, my memory was impaired by alcohol.

[@AyakoTachi]

They are like bland dry cinnamon bread with dry frosting. Not as tasty as they appear. But pretty/festive and fun to find the Jesus.

[@justinl6590]

Yall are eating the wrong king cakes!

[@thecook8964]

Need to eat them the same day they are made- brioche fries out

[@brianreardon7700]

i wonder over the years how many people have eaten the baby??

[@warjdani]

Why a baby? Why but a baby in a cake why not a gold coin or something else can someone explain to me please.

[@RedStickLouisiana]

The explanation was at the end of the video.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

The comment in the piece about not knowing why the baby is in the cake, King Cakes are sold only on and after the Catholic celebration day of the Epiphany, on January 6th, traditionally to honor (after Christmas) when Jesus, as a baby, was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. The New Orleans King Cake tradition starts on the Epiphany and ends on Mardi Gras day, the day before the start of Lent.

[@TheTonialadd]

Eighty eight king cakes later he’s a diabetic…

[@grahamjonesfamily1634]

Sorry, but the king cake from Gambinos bakery in NOLA is nasty. Are all kings cakes so nasty?

[@richardlacey4923]

The plain one from Gambinos sucks .. the more expensive ones from other places like Randazzos or Haydels are worth it

[@peredavi]

A plastic baby inside the cake when it is baked? 375F…. I wonder what petro- chemicals are boiling off that plastic baby?

[@cyrilmauras4247]

Look again at the program. The plastic baby is put in the bottom of the King Cake AFTER it was baked, just before being packaged.

[@anonymoushuman8443]

You don’t cook the baby 🙄

[@DeliaLee8]

Great cake and tradition - horrible amount of plastic!! 😢 Time to go back to the original tradition - a bean, a coin, or even the porcelain baby. No more plastic babies please.

[@Nicksonian]

Yuck. Never had a King Cake that was any good. Writer Matt, featured in the story, must have insulin resistance and pre-diabetes. Yes, I’m a killjoy, but face it America, sugar is the enemy.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

There are King Cakes made by local grocery stores that I don't like. There are many King Cakes made by local bakeries that are absolutely DELICIOUS! You are just picking the bad ones, when there are plenty of good ones.

[@richardlacey4923]

Yeah the ones at the grocery stores are cheap and suck .. have to buy an expensive one

[@Dangic23]

I’ve had several King cakes, and there really isn’t anything special about how they taste. Very bland and generic flavor.

[@lewstone5430]

Yum! I love bland!

[@Dangic23]

@@lewstone5430 Lol I tried. Even had a few of the flavored ones. Complete disappointment

[@cyrilmauras4247]

All you people are eating the wrong king cakes!

[@Dangic23]

@@cyrilmauras4247 It was in New Orleans , so not sure which one is the right one. I tried 12 different ones. From the “original “ place, and from a few other establishments. All disappointing.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

@@Dangic23 You just have no taste.

[@TiMalice2009]

Those cakes don’t look healthy to me. Carb overload.

[@danielpurcell7395]

That’s cause you don’t feel good boy.

[@cajunlinks]

That's the point.

[@cyrilmauras4247]

OK, you can just go back to your dry boring oat bread. You must be a vegan or something.

[@jarrodbarkley9061]

Yay, no Jane Pauley.

[@evans54]

sure she didnt miss you

[@faepmagn7]

This is just La Rosca de Reyes, but lame.