The Galette des Rois - literally the cake of kings - is readily available in France at this time of year to celebrate Epiphany on January 6th (also known as Three Kings' Day).

The galette is made of a circle of flaky pastry filled with an almond cream filling called frangipane, with a single fève hidden inside. Although fève literally translates as 'bean' (as a dried bean was once baked into the cake), nowadays it is usually a little ceramic figurine.

The galette is typically packaged with a gold cardboard crown - the finder of the fève is crowned king for the day and (depending on the house rules) either has good luck for the year, or is obliged to buy the next galette des rois.

In order to ensure perfect fairness, the youngest member of the household sits under the table as the galette is being cut. He or she randomly calls out the name of each family member and that slice is given to them.