A Tradition of Tiny Cakes!

Ah, the petite four! They're a holiday tradition for my family. They're also the fancy French cousins of cupcakes. These dainty desserts may be small in size, but they pack a punch in taste and presentation. And if you're anything like me, you can't help but feel a little fancy when you take a bite out of one of these little treats. Our mother used to always have a box at Christmas, and it was a big treat to be able to pick one!

Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries in France, large brick or stone overs were used to back bread. Since these ovens took such a long time to cool down after they were used, bakers learned to take advantage of the heat for baking pastries. This process was dubbed baking à petit four (literally "at small oven")

But let's be real here, petite fours aren't exactly practical. Sure, they're great for fancy events and high tea parties, but let's not kid ourselves - we're not eating them on a daily basis. And if you are, well, you're either living in a palace or have way too much disposable income. Either way, can I come over?

But I digress. Petite fours are essentially mini cakes that have been cut into bite-size pieces and decorated with intricate designs and pretty toppings. They're like the prima donnas of the dessert world. They demand attention and admiration, but are ultimately just a tiny indulgence.

But what really gets me about petite fours is the fact that they're often served on fancy platters and stands, making you feel like you're about to have a high-class tea party. But let's not forget, they're essentially just tiny, glorified pieces of cake. And while I do appreciate the effort put into their delicate designs, let's not forget the true purpose of a dessert - to satisfy our sweet tooth and make us happy. Unfortunately over the years they've become quite expensive and hard to find! Thank goodness for amazon is all I can say!

So next time you come across a petite four, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and maybe even snap a picture for Instagram. But let's not forget to just enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like a good ole slice of cake that doesn't require a fork and knife.