The history of King Cake

Let Them Eat Cake!Mardi Gras is synonymous with many things: beads, Bourbon Street, Hurricane cocktails, Cajun food, and of course, King Cake. In the midst of Mardi Gras celebrations, it’s hard to miss the colorful dessert known as King Cake dusted with green, gold and purple sugar and containing a special surprise for one lucky eater. What better time to try this sweet treat than on Fat Tuesday?

King Cake, which takes its name from the biblical three kings, is a dessert most often seen during Carnival season (starting on Epiphany Eve and ending on Fat Tuesday) and is a staple of pre-Lenten celebrations. Although King Cake is most commonly associated in the U.S. with Mardi Gras, the cake actually dates back to early pagan Europeans.

Make your own delicious King Cake at home >>The story behind the cake

The round shape of a traditional King Cake is said to be a reference to the route of the three wise men or to a king's crown. Throughout the years though, King Cake has taken many forms and variations with different shapes, flavors, colors and fillings.

However, one thing always remains the same: There is a hidden trinket baked inside the cake. This trinket is often a plastic baby figurine said to represent baby Jesus but can also be a bean or a coin. The lucky one who finds this trinket is said to have good fortune for the coming year and is appointed mock king for the evening, ruling over the festivities. Unfortunately, early pagan customs did not ensure such luck to the possessor of the trinket. After his year of king-like treatment, the not-so-lucky one was sacrificed as a way to ensure a good harvest.

On this last night before Lent, celebrate with a King Cake and see if you're the lucky one who gets to be king for the day.

Try this lighter version of King Cake >>More Mardi Gras recipes

Pecan-crusted catfish recipe for Mardi Gras
Fat Tuesday shrimp and sausage jambalaya recipe
3 Strong Mardi Gras cocktail recipes

4 Tips for vacationing with allergies

Doctor's orders

Dr. Maeve O'Connor sat down with SheKnows to discuss smart travel tips for vacationing with allergies.

Most of us look forward to vacations, a break from routine and a chance to get to know new cultures and try new foods. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, however, all that experimentation carries potential risk. But that’s no reason to stay home or let it ruin a special trip. Here are a few of my favorite “vacation survival guide” tips for allergy sufferers.

1BYOF

It may not be as glamorous as dining out at a fancy restaurant, but the best way to know exactly what allergens you’re ingesting is to “bring your own food.” For most allergy sufferers, this level of caution is probably not necessary, but it may be a worthwhile safety measure for those with the most severe allergies. And, no, BYOF doesn’t mean packing enough food to last an entire trip! Most vacation destinations have US-style grocery stores where you’ll be able to buy well-labeled foods to eat or prepare. If you’re especially concerned, consider a rental or suite with a kitchen so you can prepare every meal with familiar ingredients.

2Prepare for flights Healthy airline food?
Check out the best and worst in-flight foods here.

For many allergy sufferers, air travel is especially nerve-racking. The prospect of experiencing an allergic reaction without access to proper medical can be terrifying. But by following the BYOF tip above, you can control your situation and avoid a possible incident. If you don’t want to carry food on board, however, some airlines offer allergen-free meals. When booking your trip, check to see if your airline offers this option for your flight. If a special meal is requested, check again with the airline a few days before your departure to ensure that it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. If your allergy is serious or life-threatening, it is also important to contact the airline and inform them of your risk factors; they may be able to stow emergency allergy treatment on board. Once notified, some airlines will even take extra measures to ensure that severely allergic passengers are not seated near passengers eating foods that may trigger their allergy. When it comes to potentially fatal food allergies, almost no measure is too extreme.

3Know the culture

If you’re visiting a foreign country — or even an unfamiliar part of your home country — prepare yourself for the difference. Learn the local language, or, at the very least, know the translations for the word “allergy” as well as your food triggers. Visiting Mexico and have a peanut allergy? Make sure you know that both “mani” and “cacahuete” are Spanish for "peanut" and many mole sauces contain peanuts. Taking a trip to China? Less strict labeling and mixing policies mean you must tread carefully in restaurants, especially if you’re allergic to peanut oil. Heading to India with a dairy allergy? Make sure you plan your meals carefully: Milk is a staple ingredient in many regions of India, and ghee (clarified butter) is hidden in many dishes.

4Be your own allergy advocate

This is an important mantra for allergy sufferers in general, but it’s especially important abroad: Take responsibility for your own allergies. Never rely on someone else to manage them for you. Even children should learn how to manage their exposure to triggers as early as possible. Be sure to have a complete picture of your allergic triggers (if you haven’t been tested, do so), and be proactive: Ask the waiter to double-check that a dish doesn’t contain an allergy trigger. If you’re not sure they completely understand your poor Spanish (or whatever the local language is), triple-check! When traveling, never assume anyone is looking out for you and you’ll always be in control.

Those are my tips for a happy, safe vacation for allergy sufferers who travel. Preparation is the key: Know your allergy triggers, know the place you’re visiting and take control yourself. Food allergies shouldn’t stand in the way of a great vacation.

Dr. Maeve O’Connor is an allergist and immunologist in private practice at Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief (AAIR) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. O’Connor also serves as adjunct assistant professor in the department of public health sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and is preceptor for interns and residents in pediatrics, internal medicine and family practice in the Carolinas HealthCare System.

More on allergies

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Cut kids' allergy risks by using their pacifier
TV's Dr. Stork shares allergy remedies

Gluten-free Friday Artichoke-spinach frittata

Fabulous FrittataA frittata makes an easy meal whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Looking to add some interest to an egg dish? This recipe for artichoke-spinach frittata is just what you need!

Don't flip out

Did you know that a frittata is simply an Italian-style omelet? What makes it so amazing is that you can add just about any ingredients you'd like to create a fabulously fresh dish. Some frittata recipes call for you to flip the frittata to cook it on both sides, but this version doesn't — you just need to make sure you use an ovenproof saute pan or cast-iron skillet for your cooking.

Options for your eggs

Whip up this recipe and serve it for breakfast, lunch or dinner along with fresh fruit, crunchy bread or a side salad. If you'd like to add different ingredients to your frittata, the sky is the limit. From meats to veggies to herbs and cheeses, you'll easily find something to suit your tastes.

Check out this recipe for Swiss chard and mushroom popover bake >>Artichoke-spinach frittata

Serves 2

Gluten can be found in many different foods and products, from ketchup to soy sauce to candy and seasonings. While SheKnows.com tries to ensure these recipes are gluten-free, carefully read the ingredient labels of all food and food products you use for these recipes to ensure they are also gluten-free.Ingredients:1 tablespoon olive oil4 eggs2 tablespoons milk1 (6 ounce) jar gluten-free, marinated artichoke hearts, drained and diced2 cups fresh spinach1 garlic clove, minced2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground black pepperDirections:

In a medium bowl, add the eggs and milk and whisk them together. Add the salt, pepper and one tablespoon of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside.Add the olive oil to a medium-sized, oven-safe saute pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the diced artichoke hearts and cook, browning them a bit, for about four to five minutes.Once the artichoke is browned, add the spinach and garlic and cook until the spinach wilts.Then add the egg mixture to the pan and swirl and tilt the pan a bit to get them evenly distributed. Use a spatula to lift the egg mixture around the edges to continue to distribute the eggs.Reduce the heat and cook for five to eight minutes. Every so often, lift the edges and the bottom with the spatula so the frittata doesn't burn.Turn on your oven's broiler. When the frittata has turned golden brown, remove the pan from the stovetop and place it under the broiler for one or two minutes, just so the top browns lightly.When the frittata has browned, remove it (be careful of the hot handle of the ovenproof pan) and sprinkle on the remaining one tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.Carefully slide the frittata from the pan to a plate and serve warm.

You really can make an exciting meal with eggs!

Try these Gluten-free Friday recipes

Breakfast bagels with mascarpone, apples, blueberries and honey
Pancakes and berry compote
On-the-go breakfast bars

A decadent recipe for rigatoni with wine-braised chicken and saffron cream

The delicate flavor of saffron infuses the cream-based sauce while chicken is simmered in white wine until cooked. They are combined with rigatoni for a restaurant quality meal that is sure to impress.

Elegant Italian at
its best

Saffron may be the most expensive spice in the world, but fortunately you don't need much to imbue dishes with its seductive flavor. Soaking saffron in hot liquid first is a great way to extract the maximum amount of flavor from the valuable spice. Though impressive, the dish comes together in about an hour and is absolutely company-worthy -- though it also makes for a special weeknight main. Although the recipe calls for rigatoni, your favorite pasta shape may be substituted.

Rigatoni recipe with wine-braised chicken and saffron cream

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:2 to 2-1/2 pounds whole chicken breast, cut into large piecesSalt and pepper2 tablespoons olive oil2 cups chopped white onions (or a combination of onions and shallots)6 garlic cloves, crushed2 cups dry white wine1 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed2 cups chicken broth1 pound rigatoni1 cup heavy whipping cream2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice2/3 cup chopped fresh basilDirections:

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.Add chicken and cook until golden, about seven minutes per side. Transfer chicken to plate.Add onions and garlic to drippings in skillet; sauté until onions are slightly softened, seven to eight minutes.Add wine and saffron to skillet; bring to boil. Continue to boil until liquid is thickened and reduced by less than half, about eight minutes.Add two cups chicken broth to skillet. Return chicken to skillet; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low.Cover; simmer gently until chicken is very tender (adjust heat to prevent boiling and turn chicken over after 20 minutes), 30 to 45 minutes total.Transfer chicken to plate and cool. Reserve skillet with juices. Shred chicken meat; transfer to a medium bowl and reserve.Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain; return to pot.Meanwhile, add cream to juices in skillet and boil until sauce is reduced to 2-1/2 cups and is thick enough to coat spoon, about 10 minutes.Stir in two tablespoons lemon juice and then chicken pieces. Stir over medium heat until heated through, adding more broth to thin sauce as needed and adding more lemon juice by the teaspoonful, if desired, about five minutes. Season with salt and pepper.Add chicken mixture to pasta in pot and toss to coat. Stir in basil. Serve pasta in large bowls and garnish with chiffonade basil.

Saffron extract may help curb your appetite and help you lose weight >>More saffron recipes

Meatless Monday: Saffron pilaf with grilled vegetables
Saffron-rice chicken recipe
Shrimp with lemon and saffron olive oil

Sugar-free banana bread with whole wheat flour recipe

This Banana Bread Is Moist & Sugar-Free!Banana bread is an all-time classic and the perfect comfort food to bake on a lazy day. Here's a healthier banana bread recipe alternative to the usual butter and sugar laced ones, using whole wheat flour and coconut oil. The addition of dates and fully ripe bananas add just enough sweetness so sugar is left out completely!

Hearty and nutritious, this sugar free banana bread recipe is for those of you who are looking to add more natural foods, whole grains and less sugar to your diet. Perfect for breakfast or as a healthy snack.

Sugar-free banana bread recipe with whole wheat flour

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:1-3/4 cups whole wheat flour1 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon cinnamon2 tablespoons rolled oats6-7 dates, pitted and chopped2 eggs1/4 cup coconut oil4-6 fully ripe bananas, mashed1/4 cup pecansCrumb topping recipe1/4 teaspoon cinnamon2 teaspoons coconut oil1 tablespoon rolled oats1 teaspoon light brown sugar, optionalDirections:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with coconut oil; then mix together crumb topping and set both aside.In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients.In a blender, add bananas, dates, eggs and coconut oil and mix until smooth.Mix the wet ingredients in with the dry until smooth; then mix in pecans.Pour batter into the greased loaf pan and sprinkle crumb topping on top. Bake in the oven for 50-60 minutes. Cool before serving.

More banana bread recipes

Carrot banana bread recipe
Coconut zucchini banana bread recipe
Raspberry banana bread recipe

Boozy shamrock shake recipe

Boozy Version Of This McDonald's FavoriteYou can't have a proper St. Patrick's Day without a shamrock shake in one hand and a strong cocktail in the other, right? To make things a little easier on your drinkin' this year, we've combined the two into one super-boozy drink!

Forget the drive-thru this year and make your own shamrock shake at home, with the addition of vodka. Then, celebrate like a true Irishmen and chug it down — but watch out for brain freezes!

Need a kid-friendly recipe? Try our non-alcoholic version of the shamrock shake >>Boozy shamrock shake recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:2-1/2 cups vanilla ice cream3/4 cup milk1/3 cup whipped cream, plus more for garnish3 tablespoons vodka (we used Voli lyte)2 tablespoons crème de mentheGreen food coloringGreen sprinkles and shamrock cookiesDirections: 

Place the ice cream, milk, whipped cream, vodka, crème de menthe and a few drops of food coloring into a blender. Blend on low until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add additional crème de menthe for a mintier flavor.Pour shakes into jars or milkshake glasses. Garnish with more whipped cream, green sprinkles and a shamrock cookie.

More St. Patrick's Day recipes

Desserts go green for St. Patrick's Day
7 Lucky St. Patrick's Day cocktails
Dark chocolate Guinness cupcake recipe

Anxiety 5 Practical ways to stress less

Robin Meade's Tips
To Reduce AnxietyAnxiety got you jittery and worried about something you can’t even put your finger on? Robin Meade, host of HLN’s Morning Express with Robin Meade and New York Times best-selling author of Morning Sunshine! How To Radiate Confidence and Feel It Too shares her tips after fighting through panic attacks on-air years ago. Her positive outlook is also reflected in her debut album Brand New Day available exclusively at Target stores and iTunes. Here are her five top tips for reducing stress and anxiety.

Robin Meade: My five favorite ways to bust stressDon't worry about what other people think of you

Certainly easier said than done, but Meade suggests trying not to let other people's negative thoughts eat away at you. "A lot of the anxiety I used to feel was rooted in the belief that I had to be liked, and that my worth depended on it," says the news anchor. "What I know now, is that when you become infatuated with the way other people perceive you, you are telling yourself that their view of you is more important than your own view of self." Reading from the back of her book Morning Sunshine!, Meade quotes Dr. Deepak Chopra: "True self-esteem comes from going beyond your image and knowing the core of your being, which is beneath no one, fearless and immune to criticism."

8 Ways to boost your self-confidence >>

Use the word "no" as a complete sentence

Meade recalls, "Back when I anchored local news, I would say yes to every request I got for a public appearance, no matter how big or small, whether I had time or not, and regardless of whether it took away from what little time I got to see my husband." She found herself saying yes just because it was too stressful for her to say no. Luckily, her co-anchor at the time gave her this sage advice: " 'No' is a complete sentence." You don't need to qualify the reason you're saying no when you turn down someone's request. "I'm not saying you shouldn't help people out as much as you can," says Meade. "But if you find yourself just saying yes because it's uncomfortable business to say no, then simply say 'No, but maybe next time.' " That way you leave the other person with the knowledge that you can fulfill their wishes maybe the next time and don't have to feel so bad about saying no.

Benefits of saying no >>

Stay in the present

Meade believes that a lot of our anxiety comes from imagined repercussions of what the future will look like as a result of what we are or aren't doing now. "For me, about 15 years ago, every time I had a bobble or misspoke on the air, my mind immediately shifted to the future, and how I might get in trouble for that slip-up when the boss came back in the office," she explains. "Or I'd worry maybe that bobble would be the reason they would need to fire me if they were looking for one. Or I wouldn't be able to pay my mortgage if I lost that job." She didn't just focus on the gaffe, she started making up – and fearing – scenarios in the future that would result from that single gaffe. "If you can keep your mind in the present, you can stop making up reasons to stress in your brain," she strongly states. "Don't get me wrong. Life has its real stress. But there's also the stress we cook up in our brains."

Find calm and inner peace in your life by being a mindful woman >>

Do a mind flip

You've heard the phrase "face your fears" and Meade embraced the adage as a means to stop having panic attacks. "Instead of dreading and fearing them I had to ask myself how do panic attacks benefit me? Sounds crazy, I know. But I was able to give them permission to stop coming because I stopped fearing them," she recalls. She expands on the concept by using the example of getting laid off from work and suggests swapping fretting for being proactive in changing your perception of being laid off. "Sit down and write out what the benefits of being laid off would be, and how that would serve you and others," Meade explains. "Maybe it would cause you to chase your real career dream. Maybe the tight financial situation would cause you to become a fantastic investor." By doing a mind flip, what you fear no longer has control over you.

8 Ways to overcome anxiety >>

Use music as an artificial mood enhancer

Can music really reduce anxiety? Meade thinks so. "It's awfully hard to feel stress as you're singing I'm Walking on Sunshine, so use the power of music as a great mood enhancer," she suggests. "We play upbeat music each morning during the commercial breaks to keep the broadcast team's spirits and energy up." Meade recommends playing uplifting, energizing songs to help you stress less. "I made sure the songs on my debut album Brand New Day were optimistic, bright and realistic, because while telling stories in song, I want to relay the can-do spirit of the human condition," she explains. "I hope you find your piece of truth and mood enhancement in those songs, too."

Click to download Robin Meade's album
Brand New Day on iTunes >>More ways to reduce anxiety and bust stress

4 Fun ways to counter anxiety
The United States of anxiety
Get control of unhealthy stress