Korean-Inspired Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are typically made with almonds, honey, and dried fruits, our Korean-inspired version incorporates the iconic Korean ingredient, kimchi. The addition of kimchi adds a spicy and tangy kick to the traditional Florentines, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is distinctly Korean. 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 (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60g) chopped kimchi 1/4 cup (60g) chopped kimchi
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream

Nutrition

• Calories: 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (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, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar, honey, and heavy cream. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour, salt, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Stir in the sliced almonds and chopped kimchi until evenly combined.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. 6.
   Flatten the cookies slightly with the back of a spoon.
7. 7.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. 8.
   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 and add a nice crunch to the Florentines.
• Kimchi — Make sure to finely chop the kimchi to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the cookies. If the kimchi is too watery, gently squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to the mixture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the cookie mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled Florentines.
• Store the Kimchi Almond Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
• Serve these unique cookies as a delightful snack or as a conversation-starting dessert at your next gathering.
• Experiment with different types of kimchi to find your favorite flavor combination.

Serving advice

Serve the Kimchi Almond Florentines on a platter or a decorative plate. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of green tea or Korean rice wine (makgeolli) for a truly Korean experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kimchi Almond Florentines in a circular pattern, with the almonds and specks of kimchi visible on the surface. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors and unique texture of the cookies will make them visually appealing.