My niece is getting married this December.  Recently, I attended her bridal shower.  My task was to make the bridal shower cake.  Immediately I knew that this cake had to not only be special…it had to be creative and incorporate spices (…especially since this special bride-to-be was a flower girl at my wedding).

I had read while doing my research for  my “Celebrate Cinnamon” article, that Cinnamon paired really well with dried Roses.  This sounded so romantic and inspired new sweet and savory recipes.  Below, you will find the bridal shower cake recipe that triggered  this article — “Ali Love Cakes”.   

So, dedicating this article to this young bride-to-be and her future husband….  May they be blessed with a life that is rich in love and joy….

Enjoy!

 

Are Roses Edible?

Yes, Roses are edible.  The darker the rose, the more flavorful the Rose will be.  

Note:  Be sure that when you purchasing edible Rose products that you ensure that they were grown for culinary purposes (to avoid pesticides/chemicals).   
 

Culinary Uses

The white portion of Rose petals are bitter and it is recommended that you remove that part of the Rose petal before cooking with them.   Try adding Rose petals to your salads.  Also you can crush dried Rose petals and add them to savory or sweet dishes.  Another way to add Rose flavor is by substituting Rosewater for recipes that call for vanilla extract (or try 1/2 vanilla, 1/2 Rosewater).

If you like tea, try adding a few dried rose petals with your favorite dried tea leaves.  Check out the Etsy.com shop, Most Natually.  The “Love Tea” from this shop is very good.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/MostNaturally?section_id=6614021.

Cosmetic Uses

Indulge in a facial steam.  Put dried Roses in a bowl.  Add boiling water and place your face over the bowl (while draping your head with a towel).  Steam for 15-20 minutes.
 
Take a luxurious bath.  Try adding dried Roses to your bath water or try adding dried Roses to your bath salts.

Make your own facial toner.  I’ve been a fan of witch hazel for years.  Add 1 part of dried Roses to 6 parts witch hazel.

 

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Ali Love Cakes

“Ali Love Cakes” are rose & cinnamon flavored pound mini-bundt cakes that were dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with lavender infused melted white chocolate and then filled with a rose, cinnamon & vanilla buttercream.  To finish the mini-bundt cake, I topped cake with gum paste Christmas Roses and Edible White Pearls.  The bride-to-be loved them…   

Check out http://www.shopbakersnook.com for great cake decorating products…

1 box pound cake mix                   (I used Betty Crocker)
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons Rosewater

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray mini-bundt cake pan with cooking spray.
3. Add cake mix, milk, eggs, cinnamon and Rosewater to a large mixing bowl.
4. Mix on low for 30 seconds.
5. Increase mixer speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.
6. Fill each mini-bundt halfway.  Smooth tops with a spoon.
7. Bake for 20 minutes (or until cake tester comes out clean).
8. Remove from baking pan and cool on a wire rack.
9. When cool, dust the mini-bundt cakes with powdered sugar.
10. Drizzle with “Lavender White Chocolate Drizzle” (see recipe listed below)
11. Fill the center of the mini-bundt cakes with Cinnamon-Rose Buttercream Filling  (see recipe listed below)
12. Decorate with candies, gum paste flowers or edible roses.

 

  

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Lavender White Chocolate Drizzle

3 tablespoons half&half
1 teaspoon dried lavender (culinary use only)
1/2 bag of white chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon Rosewater

1. In a small bowl, heat half&half in the microwave for 45 seconds.  
2. Add dried lavender.  Cover with plastic wrap and steep for about 30 minutes.
3. Heat lavender infused half&half for 1 minute.
4. Add the white chocolate chips, Rosewater and vanilla to the lavender infused half&half.
5. Stir until smooth.  

 

Gypsy World Spice Cafe Recipe – Cinnamon-Rose Buttercream Filling

1 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
3 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Rosewater
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pistachios (optional)

1. In a medium bowl, combine confectioners sugar, butter, milk, ground cinnamon, Rosewater and  vanilla with a mixer.
2. Beat for 1-2 minutes until very creamy. ( Add more milk if it consistency is too thick).
3. Stir in chopped pistachios (optional)