I have become a huge fan of Pinterest. If you haven't checked it out you really, really should. It is a visual FEAST for the eyes. Basically you can "pin" pictures of things you see on your internet travels to "boards" for future reference.
I just like to pin pretty things that inspire me.
Recently as I was searching on Pinterest for ideas, I came across this whimsical idea from StoneGable for Pansy Shortbread Cookies.
Needless to say I was mesmerized and knew I had to make these delicate delights! What a great idea and perfect for a garden themed, spring or summer Tea Party.
Legend tells us that the pansy was originally white, and blushed bright purple where it was pierced by Cupid's arrow. This accounts for the flower's reputation of bringing thoughts of loved ones.
The pansy is named from the French word "pensee" meaning thoughts, in particular the thoughts of lovers. The myth grew that you could see a loved one in the face of a pansy.
The garden pansy sold at stores today originated in the early 19th century in England. William Thompson, a gardener on the estate of Lord Gambier, began crossing various Viola species with Viola tricolor to make a larger flower with a more pronounced "face." By the 1880s pansies were one of the most popular flowers and remain so to this day.
Shakespeare's famous character Ophelia used the meaning of the pansy to express herself in Hamlet:
"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray you, love, remember.
And there is pansies, that's for thoughts."
Pansies are a common edible flower but take caution to ensure you choose pansies that are pesticide free.
For complete instructions on how to make these for your next garden themed tea party visit StoneGable by clicking HERE.
I also used petunias for color in addition to the pansies and I added a "dash" of clear almond extract to the pasteurized egg whites when I crystallized the flowers which made for just a lovely taste!
There is also a link on my recipe page (click HERE).
Out of interest and pure visual joy, put a link on my recipe page to Meadowsweets which is a family owned business recently featured in Victoria Magazine. This company specializes in the art of crystallizing edible blooms and their creations are exquisite!
I found the information about pansies HERE.
Tea Tip of the Day...When creating a pot of tea, pour hot water into the teapot to warm it while the kettle of water is heating. Discard this water when ready to steep your leaves. This is called priming your teapot!
Linking to:
Bernideen's Saturday Tea in the Garden!
Tidy Mom
A Well Seasoned Life - Sweet Indulgences Sunday
So Sweet Sundays at Little Rays of Sunshine Blog
I Heart Naptime ~ Sundae Scoop
Foodie Friday
Flaunt it Friday
Strut Your Stuff Saturday
L.A.C.E ~ Wednesdays
Life is a Picnic Party!!
Sassy Sites - Friday
Hodgepodge Friday
Recipes I Can't Wait to Try (At Home with Haley)
Delicate Construction Fridays
Tablescape Thursday ~ Amazing Tablescape Ideas Here!
Sweets this Week!
Cupcake Apothecary
Tablescaper Seasonal Sundays
I Heart Naptime! Sundae Scoop
Monday, Mmmmm at Joy of Desserts