Traditional King Cake
From southern living. My mom wants to try this one out for mardi gras. The king cake tradition came to new orleans with the french settlers around 1870, continuing a custom dating back to twelfth century france. Similar cakes were used then to honor the three wise men who visited the christ child, calling it the feast of epiphany, twelfth night, or king's day. The traditional colored sugars used to decorate the cake are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). You are supposed to tuck a little plastic baby in the cake and whoever gets the piece with the baby has to host next year's party. we don't do that because with my luck, someone would choke and aspirate the little baby.
Steps
Cook the first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan over low heat , stirring often , until butter melts.
Set aside and cool mixture to 100-110.
Stir the yeast , cup warm water , and 1 tablespoons sugar in a 1 cup glass measuring cup.
Let mixture stand 5 minutes.
Beat sour cream mixture , yeast mixture , eggs , and 2 cups flour at medium speed with a heavy-duty stand mixer until smooth.
Decrease speed to low , and gradually add enough remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead until smooth and elastic.
Place in a well-greased bowl , turning to grease the top.
Cover and let rise in a warm place , free from drafts , 1 hour or until dough is doubled in bulk.
Punch down dough , and divide in half.
Roll each portion into a 22x12 inch rectangle.
Spread 1 / 3 cup softened butter evenly on each rectangle , leaving a 1-inch border.
Stir cup sugar and cinnamon together.
Sprinkle evenly over butter on each rectangle.
Roll up each d.
Ingredients
sour cream, sugar, butter, salt, active dry yeast, warm water, eggs, bread flour, ground cinnamon, candy sprinkles, powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, milk