Bosnian Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are traditionally made with pine nuts and orange zest, our Bosnian adaptation incorporates almonds and lemon zest for a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we have added a touch of Bosnian honey to enhance the sweetness and richness of these delightful treats. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Bosnian honey 1/4 cup (60ml) Bosnian honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon zest 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon zest
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (85g) dark chocolate, melted 1/2 cup (85g) dark chocolate, melted

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 kJ
• Fat: 7g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, flour, and salt until well combined.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced almonds to the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. 6.
   Flatten each spoonful of mixture with the back of a spoon to form thin rounds.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. 8.
   Allow the Florentines to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the Florentines.
10. 10.
    Let the chocolate set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use sliced almonds for this recipe as they provide the perfect texture and crunch.
• Bosnian honey — Opt for a high-quality Bosnian honey to enhance the flavor of the Florentines.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Dark chocolate — Choose a good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich and indulgent taste.
• Parchment paper — Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the Florentines from sticking.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture.
• If you prefer a softer texture, bake the Florentines for a shorter time.
• Experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits to customize the recipe to your liking.
• Store the Bosnian Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
• Serve these delightful treats with a cup of Bosnian coffee for an authentic Bosnian experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Bosnian Florentines as a sweet treat alongside a cup of Bosnian coffee or as a dessert after a traditional Bosnian meal. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a delightful snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Bosnian Florentines on a platter or in a decorative box for an elegant presentation. Drizzle some additional melted dark chocolate over the top for a beautiful finishing touch.