Florentines with a Latin American Twist

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are traditionally made with almonds, honey, and orange zest, this Latin American adaptation adds a touch of Latin flair. The Latin version incorporates spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and replaces the orange zest with a hint of lime for a refreshing twist. The caramelization process is also enhanced to create a deeper, richer flavor profile. 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 (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 lime Zest of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 9g (3g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (12g sugars)
• 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 medium saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lime zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a caramel consistency.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sliced almonds and flour until well combined.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each Florentine.
5. 5.
   Flatten each spoonful with the back of a spoon to create thin, round discs.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 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 — Make sure to use sliced almonds for this recipe as they provide the perfect texture and crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some grated lime zest on top of the Florentines before baking.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel mixture.
• To achieve a perfectly round shape, use a cookie cutter or a round mold to shape the Florentines while they are still warm.
• Store the Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
• Serve these Florentines with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination.

Serving advice

Serve these Crispy Caramelized Florentines as a sweet treat after a Latin American-inspired meal. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh lime zest curls for an elegant presentation.