Mediterranean Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are typically made with butter and sugar, this Mediterranean adaptation replaces butter with olive oil and incorporates honey for sweetness. The addition of orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors. These changes give the Florentines a lighter and healthier twist, aligning them with the Mediterranean cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling) 1/4 cup (60ml) dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 9g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 9g (6g 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 mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, olive oil, honey, flour, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each Florentine.
4. 4.
   Flatten each spoonful of mixture with the back of the spoon to form thin, round discs.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the Florentines turn golden brown around the edges.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. 7.
   Once the Florentines have cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of each Florentine.
8. 8.
   Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the Florentines.

Tips & Tricks

• For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the orange zest.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle some additional honey over the Florentines after they have cooled.
• Experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits to add variety to your Florentines.
• Store the Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
• Serve the Florentines with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of sweet dessert wine for a perfect Mediterranean pairing.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Florentines as a delightful afternoon snack or as a sweet ending to a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To create an eye-catching presentation, arrange the Florentines in a circular pattern on a white serving plate. Drizzle melted dark chocolate in a zigzag pattern over the Florentines and garnish with slivered almonds and orange zest. This will add a touch of elegance and highlight the Mediterranean flavors.