Chinese-style Almond Florentines

Recipe

Chinese-style Almond Florentines

Crispy Almond Delights: A Chinese Twist on Florentines

4.6 out of 5

In Chinese cuisine, we love to incorporate nuts into our desserts for their rich flavor and health benefits. These Chinese-style Almond Florentines are a delightful fusion of Italian and Chinese cuisines. With their crispy texture and nutty taste, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Cookie› Florentines
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine
Asian cuisine› Chinese cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

30-32 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 12 Florentines

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter substitute), Egg-free, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour)

Allergens

Almonds, Dairy (butter and cream)

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains butter and cream), Nut-free (contains almonds)

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are typically made with almonds, honey, and dried fruits, this Chinese adaptation adds a touch of Chinese flavors. We incorporate ingredients like sesame seeds and Chinese five-spice powder to give these Florentines a unique twist. The result is a delightful combination of Italian and Chinese culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 150 kcal / 628 KJ
  • Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
  • Carbohydrates: 14g (Sugar: 9g)
  • 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, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar, honey, heavy cream, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
  3. 3.
    Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sliced almonds, flour, dried cranberries, and candied orange peel. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. 4.
    Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each Florentine as they will spread during baking.
  5. 5.
    Flatten each spoonful of mixture with the back of a spoon to create thin, round Florentines.
  6. 6.
    Bake in the preheated oven 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 before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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.
  • Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, sprinkle some additional sesame seeds on top of each Florentine before baking.
  • If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
  • Experiment with different dried fruits and citrus peels for variations in flavor.

Serving advice

Serve these Chinese-style Almond Florentines as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of Chinese tea or as a sweet treat during festive occasions. They can also be enjoyed as a snack with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a serving platter in a circular pattern, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.

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