King Cake Recipe

Directions:

1. Dissolve yeast in water; let stand for about 5 to 10 minutes. Combine flour, granulated sugar, nutmeg, salt and lemon zest in a large bowl. Make a well in center. Add yeast mixture, milk, 3 eggs, and 4 egg yolks; combine thoroughly. Beat in butter until dough holds together and forms a ball. Place on floured board; incorporate more flour if necessary. Knead until smooth and elastic. Stir dough in well buttered bowl and turn so all surfaces are buttered. Cover with a towel and let rise 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk. Brush baking sheet in butter. Punch down on lightly floured board. Knead, then pat into a 14 cylinder. Place on baking sheet and form into a large ring. Press doll or bean into dough so that it is well hidden. Set aside, covered with a towel, to rise 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Before baking, brush top with the egg and milk mixture. Bake in a preheated 375° oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Beat icing ingredients until smooth. Spread over top of cake, letting drip down sides.
2. Immediately sprinkle the colored sugars over icing in 2 wide strips of purple, green and yellow stripes. *Colored sugar is sold in baking supply houses. If you can't find it, tint granulated sugar or icing with paste food coloring. Be sure to tell people about the hidden prize if they aren't familiar with the tradition.