The rose is the iconic symbol of love and a favorite Valentine’s gift. Every year, an estimated 224 million roses are grown just for Valentine’s Day! Roses are beautiful, but for many, the way to the heart is through the stomach. That makes these mini apple roses a veritable feast for the eyes and the taste buds. They may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make with just a few leftover apples and some puff pastry.
These roses are basically rolled-up apple tarts made by rolling sweet-tart apple slices in a light, buttery puff pastry. You’ll paint each strip of pastry with an apricot glaze to lend even more flavor, and then sprinkle them with rose sugar to impart the sweet, fresh scent of real roses.
If you prefer a more traditional apple pie flavor, use a mixture of cinnamon and sugar in your pastry, or sprinkle your roses with powdered sugar as a final garnish. You can make a big bunch of roses using muffin tins, or bake up just a pair of larger ones in glass ramekins. Consider serving up these different, luxurious Valentine’s Day treats with vanilla ice cream to show your loved ones some love all year long!
About roses as an ingredient
Using roses in food might sound strange to us here in the Western world, but it’s quite common elsewhere. The practice originated in ancient Persia, where rose flavoring is still common in baked goods, syrups, ice creams and other delicacies. Rose sugar is perfect for baking, and adds a delicious flavor to drinks such as tea, lemonade — and even champagne.
While you can buy rose sugar online or in specialty stores, you can make your own very easily: Just layer rose petals in a sealed jar of sugar, and you’ll have rose-infused crystals in as little as a week. (Be sure to use organic, pesticide-free roses.)
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