Catholic Recipe: Kings’ Bread Ring

Also Called: Rosca de Reyes

In various sections of Europe and Latin America a bread ring in honor of the three holy Kings is baked on the eve of the feast and eaten as coffee-bread or dessert on Epiphany Day. Its form represents the ancient Roman wreath (corona), a symbol of royalty.

DIRECTIONS

Dissolve yeast in water. Blend hot milk, sugar, salt. Cool to lukewarm. Add softened yeast, eggs, shortening, 2 cups flour; blend well. Add remaining flour, fruits; mix to stiff dough. Divide dough into 2 sections; form 2 ropes about 20 inches long. Shape ropes into circles and conceal a tiny china doll in dough. Place on baking sheet; brush with melted shortening. Set aside to rise 1 hour and 15 minutes. Bake 25-30 minutes at 375°. Blend confectioners' sugar and milk to fondant consistency; spread on loaves. Decorate with fruits. Cool before slicing. Yield, 2 loaves