What Mexican hasn't had the baby Jesus in the Rosca de Reyes? Most likely, if you are reading this, it has happened to you, but do you know what its origin is?

The Thread in Europe

There are those who claim that the tradition began in France; with the Galette de Rois, a cake shared with the family since the 14th century, which we can now find in French bakeries with a golden cardboard crown.

As in Mexico, it is also served on January 6, the day that represents the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem, to receive the baby Jesus, according to religious tradition. It has a figurine inside, like our version, which was originally a bean and is now made of porcelain or ceramic. Whoever finds it will be king or queen for a day, according to French tradition.

Despite coinciding on the date, the presentation varies depending on the area; In the north of France, this tart is made of puff pastry, and filled with an almond paste. There are also variations, such as the one from the south of this country, which is a brioche-style bread.

However, there are those who say that this Three Kings Day celebration dates back to the Roman era of Saturnalia, and that it was the Romans who began to hide a broad bean in bread.

In Spain there is also the tradition of the roscón de reyes, with the tradition of the broad bean that was eventually changed for a figurine, although with an unexpected twist and very similar to our tradition; Whoever gets the figurine is the one in charge of paying for the roscón.

In Mexico

As in Spain, the person who finds the doll is not so lucky; automatically becomes godfather or godmother of the baby Jesus and they must dress him and take him to bless the church, in addition to inviting the tamales on the day of Candlemas, February 2.

We share the Don Zabor-style recipe for this Mexican delicacy. Although it takes a little time, it is easier than it seems but it is very worth it. In addition, you will surprise your guests with this recipe.

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup of warm water
• 7 grams of active dry yeast
• 4 and 3⁄4 cups of wheat flour
• 3⁄4 cup of sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons of milk
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons of margarine
• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
• Nuts (candied orange, walnuts, almonds slivered, blueberries)
• 1 beaten egg
• Refined sugar
• 2 or 3 plastic dolls

1. In bowl, place warm water and yeast; stir well and let sit for 10 minutes.

2. Add 1⁄2 cup of flour and mix to form a dough. Cover the container with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for half an hour or until it doubles in volume.

3. In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of flour, 3⁄4 of the sugar, and the salt.

4. Add the 3 whole eggs, 3 yolks mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk, the orange zest and 1 and 1⁄2 sticks of butter to form a dough sticky You can do it by hand or with a mixer.

5. Once you have the previous dough, add the yeast mixture.

6. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes Try not to add too much flour in this process because it should not be dry but soft and elastic .

7. Grease a bowl with butter, place the dough and cover it with plastic wrap also buttered and leave to rest in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in volume. Take the time to let it rest until it reaches this point, as it will help the final product to be a soft and fluffy bread.

8. Meanwhile, for decoration, mix the margarine with the icing sugar until form a creamy paste. Add 3⁄4 cup of flour and one egg yolk and stir well.

9. Once the dough has doubled in size, place it on a floured surface and knead lightly. Remember that it should be kept soft and elastic. Stretch it and shape it into a ring.

10. Transfer the dough to a previously greased and floured baking sheet and gently cover with buttered plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm place for another hour.

11. Beat the remaining egg with the milk and brush over the dough a couple of times.

12. With your hands, form flattened strips with the icing sugar paste and decorate the dough. Place the dolls in random places.

13. Arrange the nuts by gently pressing the dough. Sprinkle the thread with the refined sugar.

14. Bake for 10 minutes at 190°C; then lower the temperature to 180°C, and bake 10 more minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

15. Take it out, if possible place it on a rack and let it cool.

16. Serve with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy!

We can ensure that your house will smell delicious for the rest of the day. Remember that you can find many of these Don Zabor products online or visit stores like Walmart, Superama, Bodega Aurrera, H-E-B, laComer and Alsuper and buy them there..