Bake in extra joy with “hidden figures”!

In celebration of the Epiphany, French bakers add trinkets to the tart’s filling in honor of the three kings who visited the baby Jesus on the 12th day of Christmas. Tradition has it that those who find a figure in their slice are crowned king or queen for the night. At one time, pastry chefs used a single dried bean, but these days tiny plastic models of baby Jesus, angels or crowns are used. To carry on the tradition, bury figurines (available at craft stores and Amazon.com) in the almond filling before sealing the tart, then be sure to warn guests of the hidden charms before they dig in.