Today is your last chance to leave a comment to go into the draw to win one of three copies of Daniella Germain's lovely new cookbook, My Abuela's Table. Comment by 10.00pm tonight - the 3 lucky winners will be announced tomorrow! Thanks Daniella! - Jenny x
This is a very special celebration in the Mexican calendar, to mark the bearing of gifts to baby Jesus from the Three Kings. While children in other parts of the world eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus on December 25, Mexican kids wake up on January 6 (Dia de Reyes), to baskets full of toys and sweets. In typical Mexican style, food features prominently on this occasion and the most popular treat is a slice of three kings men ring (sweet bread), and a cup of steaming hot chocolate. Enjoy the recipes below any time of year, but it's extra special to celebrate these yummy treats on January 6.
Three Kings Men Ring Cake (Rosca de Reyes) Makes two ring cakes
7 g dry yeast 2 tablespoons warm water 165 ml warm milk ¾ cup sugar 2 tablespoons rose water 1 teaspoon salt 4 eggs ¾ cup soft butter 5 cups plain flour, sifted 2 crystallised oranges, finely chopped ½ cup crystallised fruit, finely chopped ½ cup sultanas rind of 1 lemon ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped extra crystallised fruit, for decoration ½ cup caster sugar, for sprinkling 1 plastic baby Jesus (if you can find one!)Chocolate Caliente (Mexican Hot Chocolate) Serves 4
4 cups milk 200 g dark chocolate (or 8 tablespoons cocoa) 4 cinnamon sticks sugar to taste