Faux King Cake -- a Mardi Gras treat for those who can't make it to New Orleans!

Yesterday was January 6, Epiphany or King's Day. It marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season. Like me, many New Orleans expatriates are going through King Cake withdrawal.

Here's a quick and easy way to enjoy a similar sensation without the big bucks of shipping!

Purchase several tubes of bake and serve cinnamon rolls. The exact number will depend on how large you want your finished cake to be.

Open the cans and separate the individual rolls, then unroll them into rope-like shapes. Braid the ropes, taking care to stagger the ends of the ropes. Braids may be three ropes or more, depending on the size of the ropes.

Shape the braided dough into a circle on a greased baking sheet. Let rest in a warm, moist area for 30-45 minutes.

Bake the cake according to package instructions. Cool slightly, then insert a token (such as a pecan or plastic baby) in the underside of the cake.

Frost and decorate with colored sugar, jimmies or some other decorative product in the traditional purple, green and gold colors of Mardi Gras.

Enjoy!