The Reyes Magos made their appearance last night all over Spain as well as here on the island of Mallorca. One essential part of the festivities is the traditional Roscón de Reyes. I am told that there is not a single Spanish family up and down the country which would not have bought one of those elaborate pastry rings for Three Kings, or baked one as the case may be.

In the past, the Roscón de Reyes was often adorned with a hidden gem for the children, a sweet perhaps, a small toy or a peseta coin. There are basic versions and there are variants with fillings. Fillings might be made of crema or nata or cabello de angel, to name but a few. The possibilities are endless.

Another endearing custom involves two lovers. A young male individual, courting, might bring a Roscón de Reyes to his beloved and hide a ring in it. If the ring was found the youngster would declare himself and his love and propose to the girl. If the ring was not found, that would constitute a bad omen and the engagement would have to be postponed. I do not know if this custom is still being practised here in Mallorca but I do know that an awful lot of Roscónes de Reyes were sold in Mallorca these last few days. Perhaps you bought one yourself.

In case you would be intrigued to know how to make and bake a Roscón de Reyes, let me present you a video with a Roscón recipe for your convenience:

The photo (top) was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: January 5th, 2011. The time was 17:57:12. The photo (centre) was borrowed from the Internet, courtesy of tequedasacenar.com. The video was also borrowed from the Internet, courtesy of YouTube and Mcdewebosfritos.

Muchas gracias.