Floral Petits Fours

Named for their diminutive size, petit four literally means “small oven” in French. Although they have run the gamut from sweet to savory appetizers, what most people associate with them today are miniature layer cakes, filled with custard or jam, and topped with a sugary glaze, rolled fondant, or sheets of almond marzipan. The secret ingredient lending these dainty teatime snacks such a vibrant golden hue and moist crumb is pumpkin puree, believe it or not. Hidden deep within the tender sp