Galette Facts for Kids

Artisanal Galette des Rois

Galette may also refer to a large, thin buckwheat flour pancake

A galette is a French word for different kinds of flat, round, or free-form pastries. It's a versatile dish that can be sweet or savory, and it's enjoyed in many parts of the world, especially in France.

What is a Galette?
- Types of Galettes
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What is a Galette?

The word "galette" comes from the Old French word "galet," which means a flat pebble. This name makes sense because many galettes are flat and round, like a stone. They are often made with a simple crust that is folded over a filling, giving them a rustic, open-faced look.

Types of Galettes

There are many different types of galettes, each with its own special ingredients and traditions. Some are sweet, filled with fruits, while others are savory, with cheese, vegetables, or meat.

Galette des Rois

One very famous type is the galette des Rois, which means 'King Cake'. People in France and Quebec eat this special cake on Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6th. This day remembers when the Three Wise Men visited baby Jesus.

The galette des Rois is usually made with puff pastry and a creamy almond filling called frangipane. A small charm, called a fève, is hidden inside. The person who finds the fève in their slice becomes the "king" or "queen" for the day and gets to wear a paper crown!

Savory vs. Sweet Galettes

In many French crêperies (places that sell crêpes), the word "galette" refers to a savory pancake made from buckwheat flour. These are often larger and have fillings like cheese, ham, or eggs. They are not sweet at all.

On the other hand, a crêpe is usually smaller and made from wheat flour. Crêpes are almost always served with sweet fillings like chocolate, fruit, or sugar. So, if you order a "galette" in a crêperie, expect something savory, and if you order a "crêpe," expect something sweet!

Galettes in Quebec

In Quebec, a part of Canada where French is spoken, the word galette often means something different. There, it usually refers to a type of pastry that is like a large cookie. These "galettes" are often soft and chewy, and they can be a popular treat.