The above photo for those who have not seen one is a King Cake. They are served through carnival season only (traditionally) though now can be ordered from commercial bakeries in the South. The dough--at least what I make--is a sweet yeast dough that takes a long time to rise. It is then seperated into three pieces, rolled flat, and filling is inserted. I have occasionally done three different fillings but the original usually has cinnamon, or in some cases, no filling at all. Then the three lengths of dough are braided, and shaped into an oval or circle. When baked, the cake is iced and sprinkled with the green, yellow and purple sugars---the colors of Mardi Gras.
New cakes have a tiny plastic baby baked in; older cakes inserted a lima bean or dime---as these were taken to parties and served, the person who got the piece with the inserted item was responsible for making the next cake, or it was considered a sign of good luck. (I've always put the bean in mine.....)
These are delicious pastry and there are numerous variations on recipes. If you're up to a full day's work, try making one. You'll understand why they are worth the effort.
Images in my header.
I have had a few questions about the images in the header---so let's start with the one of the ex-votos. That is from the ex-voto room at St. Roch's Cemetary chapel. They are just larger version of the small milagros I use in my work. Try Googling ex-votos, it can explain it all better. The cross photo is a color enhanced version of a pic I took of the door to the chapel of the Ursilines convent. They have about a full quarter of a block for their convent/compound in the Quarter. The postcard is one I've saved from when my grandmother visited the city, oh.....I have no idea what year, but the style of the image gives you an idea. I still need to frame it; note to self! Then the final picture is LaFittes Blacksmith Shoppe (yes, Jean LaFitte the Pirate), which is now a bar. Gary and I were photographed in front of it by a professional photographer trying to meet deadline for a travel publication. He was kind enough to shoot our photo with my camera too.......this is strictly the building and if I am not mistaken, it is the oldest in the Quarter. There was a horrible fire that consumed almost every original wood building in the area. How this one stood...... At any rate, it is slowly sinking into the *terra-nonfirma* of the area. I am not sure there is a single bit of the structure that would measure square. It is so interesting to really look at the materials in it in person because it appears to be quite close to the crumble point, yet it has withstood hurricanes.
Amazing.
These are all things that inspire/influence my art work, and that was how I chose them over whatever I was making at the moment. Art changes but inspiration tends to stay.
Yesterday, late, I noticed I had reached my 400th post. I was delighted it was on Fat Tuesday! I can't believe I have blithered that much, but those of you trying to slog through this blog probably can...LOL!! Hmmmmmm.......I may have to figure out a little something to celebrate with for us all. Give my brain a day or two.
And now I am off to sewing. I'm not sure it will be creative work, but it is paying work which lets me be (or BUY!) creative! So I hope y'all have a good creative day too, make something wonderful, or just go look for King Cake recipes.
And enjoy your time, whatever you choose!
Pax.
