kreativ blogger award

My writing group works very hard, but we also know how to party. Example: Donna, our Southern Belle extraordinaire, helped us kick-start the New Year with a King Cake celebration.

King Cakes help commemorate Epiphany (January 6th), the day the Three Wise Men honored baby Jesus with precious gifts. They taste a lot like gooey cinnamon rolls, but the dough is baked into a ring and decorated with purple, green, and gold—the colors of Mardi Gras. Some say the shape represents unity and friendship; others say it symbolizes the circular path the Wise Men followed, in order to lead King Herod away from Joseph and Mary’s baby.

A pecan, bean or plastic doll (each representing the baby Jesus) is tucked inside the cake before it’s baked. Finding the baby is an honor; among other things, it means you get to host the next party. King Cake celebrations used to be reserved for Fridays during Mardi Gras, but now they happen every day during the weeks between Epiphany and the first day of Lent.

All that to say…

 

The timing couldn’t be better—this blog is having big-time cravings for carbs fun and friendship. Even in the saddest of times, I think it’s important to reach out to others, and to find joy in the moment. So I’m hosting a traditional King Cake celebration, but with a bit of a twist. 

 

Here’s my King Cake. Doesn’t it look delicious?

Please help yourself to a big ol’ slice of gooey goodness. Go on, it’s guilt-free! On Thursday morning, I’ll draw a name from among the revelers who’ve stopped by to join us. The lucky winner gets the baby, of course. And you know what that means…another party!  I’ll also send the winner a special prize.

King Cake recipe and photo

P.S. Thanks to

 for giving me the Kreativ Blogger Award. I’m lucky to be surrounded by so much inspiration and talent! Each one of you deserves this award, so how ’bout we share?