Recipe

New Mexican Florentines

Spicy Chocolate Florentines with a Southwestern Twist

4.6 out of 5

In the vibrant and flavorful world of New Mexican cuisine, we have taken the classic Italian Florentines and given them a spicy twist. These New Mexican Florentines combine the rich flavors of dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and a hint of chili powder to create a unique and delicious treat that will transport your taste buds to the Southwest.

Dessert› Cookie› Florentines

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Southwestern American cuisine› New Mexican cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10-12 minutes

Total time

30-32 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 12 Florentines

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour), Nut-free (if omitting almonds), Egg-free, Halal

Allergens

Dairy (butter, cream), Nuts (almonds)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are typically made with honey, butter, and dried fruits, our New Mexican adaptation incorporates traditional Southwestern ingredients such as chili powder and toasted almonds to add a spicy and nutty flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

1 cup (235ml) dark chocolate chips 1 cup (235ml) dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (30g) toasted almonds, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) toasted almonds, chopped
1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 17g (12g sugars)
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
3.
Stir in the heavy cream, flour, chili powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
4.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the toasted almonds.
5.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
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 toast the almonds before chopping them. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the Florentines.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled Florentines for an elegant touch.
Store the Florentines in an airtight container to keep them crisp and fresh.
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or pistachios, for added variety.
Serve the Florentines with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Serving advice

Serve the New Mexican Florentines as a delightful sweet treat after a spicy New Mexican meal. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few whole toasted almonds. The contrast of the dark chocolate against the white sugar and almonds will make them visually appealing.