Fragrant February - bright & shiny room spray

Most of us are heartily sick of wintery weather.

I came across a blend I had forgotten about last night and thought that the combination of oils just felt light and lively and appropriate to summon springtime.   And PERFECT for a room spray when winter has dampened our spirits.

For those who don't do graphics:

15 drops Bergamot
15 drops Spearmint
2 fl oz Vodka (high proof is better!)
2 fl oz distilled water

One 4 ounce PET bottle with atomizer top.

The method is what is important here.  Add the essential oils to the vodka. Blend well, and top off with distilled water. Shake well, and spray to lighten and brighten the space you are in.

Fragrant February - Rose Cake

Valentine's Rose Cake:

My mother's old Hot Milk Sponge Cake recipe, with a very special touch.

Butter and flour a 9 inch round cake pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 Drop Pure Rose Otto (I used Bulgarian)

• Beat in 1 Cup Sugar beat until smooth and thick.

Sift together

• 1 Cup Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 dash salt

Stir into the egg mixture. Will be VERY thick.

Heat until the butter melts

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 Tablespoon butter

Add the hot milk mixture to the batter, stir it QUICKLY together, (work fast here, because the hot milk will start the baking powder rising before the cake is in the pan.) Stir together quickly, pour into prepared pan and into the hot oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the cake tests done.

Cool upside down on a rack.  Split the cooled cake in half to make two  layers. Fill with either Raspberry Jam, the Lazy Rose Jam posted earlier, or, if you are among the really lucky ones who have some, with some Rose Petal Jam.

Sift some confectioners sugar over the top.  ENJOY!

See more aromatic recipes here: