My Rose petal obsession has completely taken hold and I seem to be scattering them on everything! Pancakes, yoghurt, salads, in cocktails and of course cakes. Don’t you think they make everything look better? I sure do! That beautiful flash of pink and the subtle rose flavour just pleases me no end. I am lucky that this rose-tinted obsession of mine has coincided with Valentine’s Day. Now, traditionally I don’t go in heavy with Valentine’s Day frivolities but these little rose flavoured cupcakes bring me much joy. A perfect treat for your loved one, share with your chums or just nibble on one whilst snuggled up on your sofa watching Netflix. You choose.
I was doing a little bit of research for this post and I started reading about the significance of Roses for Valentine’s Day. Why do people traditionally give roses? There are a few reasons that I have found that stood out. Firstly, red symbolises love, beauty, courage and respect and the red rose for St Valentines is the embodiment of this. The red rose is also linked to Greek and Roman iconography where it is tied to Aphrodite, or Venus the goddess of love. Did you know that the colour of the rose you send for Valentines Day is significant? Personally, for me, if I was sent a dozen red roses I would think that my partner hadn’t used much thought or imagination in picking my gift! That’s just me of course. Red roses are of course beautiful if sourced from reputable florists and not from the local garage!
I digress… let me tell you about the significance of the roses you choose to send or receive. They might mean more than you think! The Victorians started the language of flowers back in the 1800’s to send meaningful messages, convey deep secrets and to share moments of joy. Nearly every flower, not just roses, have a special meaning and when words could not necessarily be spoken out loud a bouquet could say a thousand.
Red
Symbolising love, courage, beauty and respect. They can also mean congratulations.
White
Symbolising true love, purity, innocence, reverence, humility, youthfulness, and charm.
Pink
Perfect for a friend. Pink roses show appreciation, grace, perfect happiness, admiration, gratefulness, and gentleness.
Yellow
Symbolising joy, gladness, friendship, delight, new beginnings, welcome back, and remembrance.
Peach
If you are ready to say, “Let’s get together,” peach roses are the ones to choose as the rose colour symbolises intimacy.
I think the language of flowers is a really interesting subject and will definitely be searching google for more information. All those hidden meanings… I love it!!
Now, for the recipe…
- 1 tsp rose water
- 4 tsp water
- 200 g unsalted butter softened
- 200 g caster sugar
- 1 tsp rose water
- 4 medium eggs lightly beaten
- 200 g self-raising flour
- 200 g cream cheese
- 100 g unsalted butter softened
- 600 g icing sugar
- 1 tsp rose water
- Pink food colouring as a paste (optional)
- Edible rose petals
- For the rosewater syrup: Place the caster sugar in a pan with 4 tablespoons water and simmer for a few minutes until the sugar has dissolved, then take off the heat. Set aside to cool. Once cool, stir in the rose water.
- For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4 and line a 12 hole cupcake tin with cases. Using an electric mixer beat the butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy, then whisk in the rose water. Reduce the whisk speed and slowly add the eggs, along with 1 tablespoon of the flour to prevent the mixture from curdling.
- Once combined, add the remaining flour. Using two spoons, divide the batter between the cupcake cases. Put in the oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Transfer the cupcake tin to a wire rack and top each cupcake with a little of the sugar syrup. Once completely cooled, remove the cupcakes from the tins.
- For the buttercream frosting: Put the cream cheese, butter, rose water and icing sugar in a mixing bowl and combine with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of pink colouring if using. Ice the cupcakes with a spoon or piping bag. Decorate with edible rose petals.
Rosey Gift Guide
Chococo Chocolate Truffles
If baking isn’t your thing but a sweet treat is what you want to gift your loved one then why not head to Chococo for a box of Sakura Tea Truffles. Keeping the theme of roses, these truffles are made with Japanese green tea from Natalia, my aunts friends tea shop, Char in Winchester. They are flavoured with cherry and rose petals in a dark chocolate ganache. Available from their shops in Exeter, Winchester, Swanage or online. Prices start from £11.00.
Eli Rose Skincare
If it’s skincare that takes your fancy then how about a delightful organic serum made with organic rose petals. This lightweight, luxurious non-greasy formula from Eli Rose Skincare is packed full of antioxidants and the finest plant extracts leaving the skin nourished with a sumptuous floral scent. This highly concentrated blend of ten organic oils helps to restore balance and regenerate the skin. Made without parabens, GMO fragrances, petroleum, silicone, sulphates, gluten and other skin irritants. This amazing product is available through the Eli Rose Skincare website for £68.00.
Sharpham Vineyard Whole Berry Rosé
This young and fruity rosé has a wonderfully rich strawberry fruit and a soft but fresh acidity. A perfect wine to share with your loved one this Valentine’s Day.. or any day for that matter! Priced at £16.50 per bottle and available at Darts Farm or online.
Whatever you do and however you celebrate Valentines Day, make it special. You might spend it with your best friends over a movie and a bottle of Sharpham’s finest. Perhaps you might go all out with your nearest and dearest. For me, I will be celebrating at home with Steve, some blimmin’ good cheese from Paxton and Whitfield, Bath and some delicious local vino. I might even treat myself to some of the delicious Sakura chocolates from Chococo to continue my rosewater cupcake sugar high! Above all, have fun!
Shop The Look!
Pink T Shirt – Sanchos
Pink shoes – Marks and Spencer but similar here.
Pyjama bottoms – Gap UK
Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to have been given some of the items featured in this blog post. I was not paid to write the post and all views are my own as always.
This post first appeared on Tara's Busy Kitchen (and Other Stories) - Food, Re, please read the originial post: here
