A taste of Portuguese Christmas. Secretly, I still prefer mince pies, Christmas pudding and good old fashioned Christmas cake.
Fascinated by this cake I decided not only to buy one but also research its origins.
Bolo Rei is not simply a cake but a true symbol of the Christmas season!
The Bolo Rei (King Cake) originated in France and only arrived in Portugal during the mid nineteenthcentury. It is traditionally eaten on the 25th December (Nativity) and the 6th of January (Epithany). However, the cake is so popular that it is on sale from the end of November through to the Epithany. The bread-like cake is round with a hole in the centre like a crown and decorated with candied fruits and nuts to symbolize the gifts offered by the Magi. The Magi were the wise men who followed the star from the east to worship baby Jesus in Bethlehem. They were later referred to by the Church, as Kings. Hence Bolo Rei.
Inside the Bolo Rei are nuts…
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Piglet in Portugal 
Rosca de Reyes in Spanish : ) Are the Three Kings the main gift givers of the season in Portugal? -Rebecca
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Never heard of this at all, but definitely like the sound of it! A bagel with attitude or a sweet tooth perhaps?
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A bagel with attitude LoL . Sounds about right.If I can get to a decent patisserie I am going to treat myself. Supermarket BR’s are not very good
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I discovered gingerbread doughnuts today and thought I’d treat us. Sadly they were only filled with ginger flavoured custard, but the doughnuts are still the best we;ve had for a while.
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So interesting. Never knew about this dish before
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I can only liken it to a stale Panettone. I still prefer our traditional christmas cake.
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I love Bolo Rei. The ”chefs” are our spot will be making one before the weekend.
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I bet it tastes better than the one I bought from the Supermarket. 🙂
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