Twelfth Night Cake

Epiphany means "an unexpected manifestation or revelation of knowledge." Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas observance. It is celebrated on January 6, the day the Christ child was baptized (12 days after his birth) and revealed to the Magi. The Feast of the Epiphany is also called Twelfth Night or the Feast of Kings. Whoever gets the bean is assured of health, wealth, and happiness for the coming year.

1 1/3 cups hazelnuts
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
1 (17 1/4 ounce) package frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
1 dried bean
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon confectioners'sugar

Toast hazelnuts on a baking sheet at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. When nuts are cool, rub them in a tea towel to remove skin. Finely grind nuts in a food processor. Set aside.

To make filling, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium to high speed, until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and beat until well blended. Gradually add nuts to butter-egg mixture with mixer on low to medium speed. Stir in orange peel and Grand Marnier. Set aside.

On a slightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of pastry slightly to remove creases. Trim to a circle about 8 inches in diameter, and place on a greased baking sheet. Heap filling over pastry in a dome shape, leaving a 1-inch border. Hide dried bean in filling. Roll out another sheet of pastry as above and trim to a 10-inch circle. Brush edge of bottom pastry with beaten egg; cover with second circle of dough and tuck edges under. Press to seal tightly; decoratively crimp edges. For a glossy crust, brush top with beaten egg. Chill cake in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

With a small sharp knife, score cake in cuts radiating from top and center to within 1 inch of edge. Brush again with beaten egg. Bake about 30 minutes at 375 degrees F or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Serves 8.