Sichuan-style Spicy Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are known for their delicate flavors and subtle sweetness, our Sichuan-style Florentines bring a whole new level of excitement. We have infused them with the distinctive flavors of Sichuan cuisine, including the tongue-tingling heat of Sichuan peppercorns and the fiery kick of dried chili peppers. These additions transform the traditional Florentines into a bold and spicy treat. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds 1 cup (120g) sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries 1/2 cup (75g) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (75g) candied ginger, finely chopped 1/2 cup (75g) candied ginger, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 tablespoon (15ml) Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried chili flakes 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt

Nutrition

• Calories: 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (Sugar: 10g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and candied ginger.
3. 3.
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the honey, granulated sugar, heavy cream, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili flakes, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
4. 4.
   Pour the hot mixture over the almond mixture and stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each spoonful slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. 6.
   Bake for 10-12 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 a better texture in the Florentines.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Crush the peppercorns just before using to preserve their flavor and aroma.
• Dried chili flakes — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder version.
• Candied ginger — Finely chop the candied ginger to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the Florentines.
• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick, sprinkle a few additional crushed Sichuan peppercorns on top of each Florentine before baking.
• If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of dried chili flakes or omit them altogether.
• Store the Sichuan-style Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
• These Florentines make a great gift or party treat. Package them in a decorative box or jar for a unique and spicy surprise.
• Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to create your own variations of Sichuan-style Florentines.

Serving advice

Serve the Sichuan-style Florentines as a delightful snack or dessert. They pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee to balance the spiciness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a serving platter or a decorative plate. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a few whole Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili flakes to showcase their unique flavors.