Why We Love It

Inspired by the exquisite sweets of San Francisco’s now defunct Fantasia Confections, which Valerie treasured as a child, these petit fours are an exercise in detail. Best-quality butter and heavy cream form the heavenly cake bases. After layering with hand-rolled marzipan, lemon curd, rose petal ganache or cassis ganache, each cake square is immersed in white chocolate glaze. Toppings of organic citrus and candied rose and pansy petals are also all done by hand. “These dozen sweets can convey the same sentiments as a dozen roses,” Valerie says. An obviously thoughtful gift, they also are a brilliant addition to afternoon tea and bridal or baby showers. Stack them up on pretty plates to create a tabletop presentation guests can eat; or use them as favors for a luncheon, resting one on each place setting.