Tre Re DayTreats

 Today is the day when the Magi arrived in Bethlehem., bringing gifts for the Christ Child. The day isa holy day and and a fun extension of Christmas. Many countries celebrate the day and you can do.

Europe and South America celebrate the day as do the islands. Some immigrant communities do so here too. For us , its a special meal, varying from year to year. Tonight we had LIdl's veggie spring rolls that come with a sweet chili sauce.It's fun festive and finger food. I also bought Stewart's root beer to go with it. It's a party dinner with a frosty drink. Any party dish could do, from chicken wings to individual pizzas.The day, also called Epiphany or Dias de Reys centers around tasty foods and drinks.It's not too late to celebrate the Mexican way with turkey or chicken posole. You can buy a turkey breast or chicken parts from your local grocery store and mix the meat with already cooked chopped onions and poblano chiles. Chili powder, cumin and oregano is added for zing and flavor.Chicken broth, cannellini beans , chili peppers and hominy are added and simmered together for an hour. Celebrate with cold bottles of Corona beer or Mexican hot chocolate. This is hot cocoa with the kick of cinnamon,and sometimes chili and even a pinch of cayenne.

The day is also a day of sweet treats. Rosca de sReyes or Kings Cake,, which is sort of similar to the Mardi Gras staple King cake is also baked.(you can also buy it at Wal-Mart too). This is sort of like panettone too.It's an eggy bread, flavored with orange blossom water , and like panettone has candied fruit such a as citron in it along with slivered almonds.Unlike the famed Italian bread it has quince and guava paste,.It has a crackly glaze icing called craquelin and a baby Jesus figurine that goes into eh cake. Whoever finds the Christ Child has to make tamales for Candeleria Day or Candlemas on February 2nd. It's a wonder treat, perfect with hot cocoa or just a good cup of coffee or tea. there is also a  rich abuelita rice pudding made with Abuelita chocolate. It's melting g that with milk and adding  cooked white rice.A plain rice pudding studded with raisins and dusted with cinnamon is another Three Kings Day dessert that also makes for a nice snack.

There Kings Day is another Christmas. It's full of treats and gifts Enjoy it with savory or sweet foods.