Rosca de Reyes is a traditional, sweet bread enjoyed in honor of Epiphany/Three Kings Day, which is celebrated throughout Europe and Latin America. The Rosca de Reyes has an oval shape to symbolize a crown and is covered with dried, candied fruits to symbolize the many jewels on a crown.
The rich bread in the form of a ring is a special food for Three King’s Day, known as “Día de Reyes” in Spanish, and celebrated on January 6 in Mexico and in Latin communities around the world. “Rosca” means wreath and “Reyes” means kings or combined, “Kings’ Wreath.” The religious origins of the Rosca de Reyes is that it represents the Wise Men’s search for the King of the Jews with their gifts when Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, the Three Kings from the East, traveled to Jerusalem following a star.
Traditionally, on January 6th the rosca is cut and dispersed among family, friends, or co-workers. Each person who is participating is given a piece. Whoever gets the plastic toy in their piece is tasked with throwing La Fiesta de La Candelaria.
For our story on why Porto’s continues their excellent products with at-home baked goods, please see: //localfoodeater.com/portos-bakery-at-your-door-and-in-your-oven/
Porto’s makes the Roscita with their buttery brioche dough with bits of homemade candied orange peel throughout, topped with an almond paste or “pasta seca” and topped with strips of candied orange and guava.
Beginning the week after Christmas, many small, individual owned bakeries and Latino markets stock the Rosca de Reyes. Porto’s Classic Rosca de Reyes is transformed here as mini version of the larger traditional one, or Mini Rosquita de Reyes. The price is $2.45. WThe intention of the smaller size is that it is perfect size to enjoy individually to respect the idea of no large gatherings this holiday season. So Porto’s created this individual item that did not involve purchase of a large cake to participate in this tradition. The larger Rosca de Reyes cakes are also available.
Savoring scrumptious at-home baked goods available from Porto’s Bakery since last summer continues lifetime memories of the wildly popular establishment. It started with an after-hours tour of the downstairs bakery in Glendale that left me speechless after passing the jammed, iconic hangout for years, with regulars at all hours spilling out into the street seated around the first outdoor tables in town.
Not surprisingly, Cuba-born founder, Rosa, grew up inspired by the smell of sweet creations made from recipes brought by her mother, who was originally from the Galicia region of Spain. Years later, her beloved Cuba suddenly fell victim to communism, which resulted in dire circumstances for Rosa and her husband Raul Porto. Out of this family nightmare arose the legendary bakery. It began when Rosa began selling her cakes to friends, family and neighbors until they were granted permission to emigrate to the United States, then to friends and family once they arrived in Miami, Florida.
In 1976, Rosa opened her first Porto’s Bakery on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park, California. Her husband and then family eventually joined in the growing operation. Today Porto’s has five locations in Glendale, Burbank, Downey, Buena Park and West Covina.
Gerry Furth-Sides 
Barbara Hansen 
Chef-owner Alain Cohen 
Roberta Deen 
Jose Martinez 
Nivedita Basu 