Greek-Inspired Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are typically made with almonds and dried fruits, this Greek-inspired version incorporates traditional Greek ingredients such as pistachios, honey, and orange zest. These additions give the Florentines a unique Mediterranean twist, infusing them with the flavors of Greece. 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) shelled pistachios, chopped 1/2 cup (50g) shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange juice
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) orange zest 1 teaspoon (5ml) orange zest
• 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: 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (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 medium saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, butter, heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and the sugar has dissolved.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sliced almonds and chopped pistachios until well coated.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each spoonful with the back of a spoon to form thin rounds.
5. 5.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. 6.
   Allow the Florentines to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the Florentines and let it set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use sliced almonds for a better texture in the Florentines.
• Pistachios — Shell and chop the pistachios before adding them to the mixture.
• Dark chocolate — Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich and indulgent flavor.
• Orange zest — Grate the orange zest finely to infuse the Florentines with a subtle citrus aroma.
• Honey — Opt for a good quality Greek honey to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Greek flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of honey or add a drizzle of honey on top of the Florentines after they are baked.
• To make the Florentines extra crunchy, toast the almonds and pistachios in a dry skillet before adding them to the mixture.
• Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, to customize the flavor of your Florentines.
• Store the Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Serving advice

Serve these Greek-inspired Florentines as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine. They also make a lovely addition to a Mediterranean-inspired afternoon tea or as a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a decorative platter or a wooden serving board. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish the platter with fresh orange slices or a sprig of mint to add a pop of color and freshness.