Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are made with honey and almonds, this Latvian adaptation adds a touch of local flavor by using Latvian honey and cranberries. This gives the cookies a slightly tart and sweet taste, making them even more irresistible. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 100g (1 cup) sliced almonds 100g (1 cup) sliced almonds
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) Latvian honey 50g (1/4 cup) Latvian honey
• 50g (1/4 cup) dried cranberries 50g (1/4 cup) dried cranberries
• 50g (1/4 cup) heavy cream 50g (1/4 cup) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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 low heat. Add the sugar, flour, honey, dried cranberries, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and add the sliced almonds. Mix until the almonds are evenly coated with the mixture.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread during baking.
5. 5.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies 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 to the cookies.
• Latvian honey — Opt for a high-quality Latvian honey to enhance the flavor of the Florentines.
• Dried cranberries — If you prefer a softer texture, you can soak the dried cranberries in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture.
• Heavy cream — Use full-fat heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture.
• Vanilla extract — For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract rather than artificial vanilla flavoring.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve perfectly shaped Florentines, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop the mixture onto the baking sheet.
• If you prefer a thinner and crispier cookie, spread the mixture thinly on the baking sheet.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled Florentines.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispiness.
• These Florentines make a wonderful gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box.

Serving advice

Serve these Latvian almond Florentines as a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a serving platter or a decorative plate. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside a pot of hot tea or coffee for a visually appealing presentation.