Florentines - Brazilian Style

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are known for their combination of almonds, candied fruits, and honey, our Brazilian version adds a touch of Brazil's tropical flair. We incorporate ingredients like coconut flakes, cashews, and a hint of passion fruit to give these Florentines a distinct Brazilian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened coconut flakes 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped cashews 1/2 cup (60g) chopped cashews
• 1/4 cup (60ml) passion fruit juice 1/4 cup (60ml) passion fruit juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces (120g) dark chocolate, melted 4 ounces (120g) dark chocolate, melted

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 kJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, coconut flakes, and chopped cashews.
3. 3.
   In a small saucepan, heat the passion fruit juice, honey, sugar, and butter over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. 5.
   Pour the passion fruit mixture over the nut mixture and stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
6. 6.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. 7.
   Flatten each spoonful with the back of a spoon to create thin, round cookies.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Allow the Florentines to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the Florentines and let it set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This will enhance their flavor in the Florentines.
• Passion fruit juice — Use fresh passion fruit juice for the best flavor. Strain the juice to remove any seeds before using it in the recipe.
• Dark chocolate — Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for a rich and indulgent taste in the Florentines.

Tips & Tricks

• For a tropical twist, sprinkle some finely grated lime zest over the melted chocolate before it sets.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add an extra tablespoon of honey to the passion fruit mixture.
• Store the Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• These Florentines make a delightful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.
• Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to customize the flavor of your Brazilian Florentines.

Serving advice

Serve the Brazilian Florentines as a sweet treat alongside a cup of Brazilian coffee or as a dessert after a delicious Brazilian meal. They pair perfectly with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a refreshing passion fruit sorbet.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a serving platter or a decorative plate. Drizzle some additional melted dark chocolate over the cookies in an artistic pattern for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of coconut flakes or a fresh passion fruit slice for a touch of tropical beauty.