Caribbean Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are known for their combination of almonds, candied fruits, and honey, our Caribbean adaptation infuses the cookies with tropical ingredients such as coconut, pineapple, and rum. These additions give the Florentines a distinct Caribbean flair and take them to a whole new level of deliciousness. 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 (40g) shredded coconut 1/2 cup (40g) shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup (60g) dried pineapple, finely chopped 1/4 cup (60g) dried pineapple, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) dried mango, finely chopped 1/4 cup (60g) dried mango, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) dried papaya, finely chopped 1/4 cup (60g) dried papaya, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) dried cranberries 1/4 cup (60g) dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) rum 2 tablespoons (30ml) rum
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces (115g) dark chocolate, melted 4 ounces (115g) dark chocolate, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced almonds, shredded coconut, dried pineapple, dried mango, dried papaya, and dried cranberries.
3. 3.
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, brown sugar, rum, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each spoonful slightly with the back of the spoon.
6. 6.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the Florentines cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the Florentines.
9. 9.
   Allow the chocolate to 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.
• Dried fruits — Make sure to finely chop the dried pineapple, mango, and papaya to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra tropical twist, sprinkle some additional shredded coconut on top of the melted chocolate before it sets.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can substitute the dark chocolate with milk chocolate.
• Store the Caribbean Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean Florentines as a delightful treat alongside a cup of Caribbean coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a tropical-themed dessert platter.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Caribbean Florentines on a decorative serving tray or plate. Drizzle some additional melted chocolate over the cookies in an artistic pattern for an elegant touch.