Cochon Butcher serving up king cakes

Christmas hasn’t yet come and gone, but Mardi Gras happens early this year, and it’s already time to start thinking about the next season’s treats. If you’re looking to add an unusual twist to your party pastries, consider the king cakes now being doled out at Cochon Butcher—the casual offshoot of Chef Donald Link’s popular Cochon. Pastry Chef Rhonda Ruckman fills the cake with local flavors like apple and Creole cream cheese, or lemon doberge—and as her signature, the cakes contain a petite pink pig in lieu of the traditional baby. If you find your Mardi Gras needs a little punching up, these unusual cakes might just be the thing. Find out more at cochonbutcher.com.