Twelfth Night Bread

A Spanish yeast bread made with bread flour or all-purpose flour that is traditionally served on the eve of Epiphany (Twelfth Night). The dough is enriched with butter, milk, and eggs and it is flavored with orange and lemon zest and brandy. It is topped with candied fruits and almonds. The dough is formed into a large ring shape and baked until golden. It is the custom to insert a dried bean, small coin, or figurine into the dough before baking. Whoever receives the slice of bread containing the bean is declared king of the Twelfth Night festival and is the person designated to make the bread the following year. A similar recipe known as “Bolo-Rei” is the Portuguese version of the bread.