King Cake A ‘Fat’ Treat
It goes without saying that Spokane is no New Orleans when it comes to Mardi Gras celebrations.
But you can capture a little bit of the Big Easy for Fat Tuesday next week by ordering an authentic king cake from one of several N’Awlins bakeries that ship nationwide.
The rich, ring-shaped cakes come plain or filled with fruit, nuts or cream cheese. Traditionally, they’re decorated with sprinkles of granulated sugar in the official colors of Carnival: purple, green and gold.
And there’s a surprise baked inside - these days, usually a small plastic doll (previously it was a bean or nut). Whomever gets the prize is supposed to host next year’s Mardi Gras bash, assuming they can afford it after paying their dental bills.
Mail-order king cakes typically start between $20 and $30, including shipping, with various sizes, fillings and accompanying party packages available.
Anne Young of Spokane is partial to Haydel’s (1-800-442-1342). Along with good-quality cakes, she says, “You get great beads and coins. Kids love that.”
Other major suppliers include Gambino’s (1-800-426-9854), Randazzo’s (1-800-684-2253) and Victoria’s Kitchen (1-888-990-5464). While next-day delivery is available, you’d better order soon if you hope to host a feast fit for a king come Tuesday.
Pig out
Not that there aren’t some pretty festive gatherings around these parts, too - such as the yearly Uniontown Sausage Feed.
The 45th annual event takes place March 1 in the community building of the small Palouse farm town about 100 miles south of Spokane on Highway 195. As always, the highlight is the handmade pork sausage, smoked the Wednesday morning before the festival.
Rounding out the menu are sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, pickles, cider and an assortment of pies, including the popular homemade “Washington nut pie.” The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6-12 and $1 for kids under 6, with a first-come, first-served policy replacing the numbered tickets of previous years.
Winning face
Like to play with your food? French’s “Make a Funny Face Contest” is seeking photos or drawings of funny faces of family members made with food (including mustard), along with an essay of 50 words or less on who you’ve created and why the meal makes them happy.
Grand prize is a trip to the Napa Valley mustard festival March 14-15. Entries (adults only) must be received by March 6; send with your phone number and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Make a Funny Face Contest, 411 Park Street, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.
, DataTimes MEMO: We’re always looking for fresh food news. Write to: The Fresh Sheet, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Call 459-5446; fax 459-5098.