ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 1997           TAG: 9702130001
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8    EDITION: METRO 

IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR THE KING CAKE

Mardi Gras is a magical time in New Orleans. Throughout weeks of merrymaking, fun and food reign while centuries-old traditions are re-enacted.

This year, Mardi Gras was celebrated Tuesday, the last day before the start of Lent.

One of the foods most associated with Mardi Gras is the King Cake. Many New Orleans residents observe the feasting of Carnival between the Feast of the Epiphany (Jan. 6) and Mardi Gras Day with parties where King Cakes are served.

According to the editors of Southern Living magazine, it is believed that the King Cake was brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. A dried bean or pea was hidden inside the cake, and the finder became king or queen for a day.

Today, an almond often replaces the bean or pea, and it is customary for the person who finds it to receive a small plastic doll. Along with this treasure comes an obligation to be host of the next Mardi Gras party and provide the King Cake.

The King Cake is decorated with sprinkles of granulated sugar in the official colors of Carnival - purple, green and gold. - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Recipe for KING CAKE.

LENGTH: Short :   35 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. The King Cake is decorated with granulated sugar in 
          the official colors of Carnival. color.






























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