Viola Odorata

It's a big call but I have to say that I think this next cake is the prettiest cake I've done to date.

I love the simplicity, elegance and colour of this cake. Although the design isn't exactly extravagant like my usual style, theres something about the look of this cake that makes me swoon and so proud to say "yep I did that".

The lovely Nicola of Note to Self approached me to make some "Violet macarons" .. not the colour violet but violet flavoured. She then requested for a cake along the same lines.

As I have never used fresh flowers on a cake before I thought this would be my chance. I decided to incorporate fresh edible 'violets' also called Viola Odorata into the cake. The cake was a light lemon curd and vanilla flavour with a meringue icing topped with these gorgeous violets.

I didn't really know what violets tasted like before this. So after tasting these fresh blossoms it was quite interesting, it was quite tart but floral at the same time and you can taste the smell if that makes sense. It was a lovely subtle floral flavour to add a bit of difference to your sweets. On a side note DO NOT TRY A SINGLE DROP OF CONCENTRATED VIOLET ESSENCE STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE - it will blow your face off (needless to say, I'm speaking from experience).

Perhaps it was just the fact that I love the colour purple, which is why I love this cake. But who wouldn't melt at the sight of these beautiful purple blossoms! They look like beautiful little purple butterflies at a distance... Nature at its finest if you ask me! 

♥

ps. please note that not all violets are edible! Check with your florist, supplier or google before placing them on a cake.