Spanish Florentines

Ingredients

While the original Italian Florentines are traditionally made with pine nuts and dried fruits, our Spanish adaptation replaces the pine nuts with almonds, which are commonly used in Spanish desserts. Additionally, we incorporate a touch of Spanish honey to enhance the sweetness and add a distinct flavor profile. The result is a unique and delicious Spanish twist on this beloved Italian treat. We alse have the original recipe for Florentines, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds 1 cup (100g) sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup (60ml) Spanish honey 1/4 cup (60ml) Spanish honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
• 4 ounces (115g) dark chocolate, melted 4 ounces (115g) dark chocolate, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 10g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 14g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
3. 3.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sliced almonds, flour, almond extract, and orange zest. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
4. 4.
   Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Flatten each spoonful slightly with the back of a spoon.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let the Florentines cool completely on the baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the Florentines. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use sliced almonds for this recipe as they provide the perfect texture and crunch.
• Spanish honey — Opt for a high-quality Spanish honey to enhance the flavor of the Florentines.
• Dark chocolate — Use a good quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich and indulgent taste.
• Orange zest — Grate the orange zest finely to infuse the Florentines with a subtle citrus aroma.
• All-purpose flour — If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can toast the almonds before incorporating them into the mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of honey or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the Florentines.
• To achieve a smoother chocolate drizzle, melt the chocolate using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently.
• Store the Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Serve the Florentines with a cup of Spanish coffee or a glass of sweet sherry for a truly authentic Spanish experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Spanish Florentines as a delightful dessert or enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or as a sweet treat for special occasions.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Florentines on a decorative plate or a wooden serving board. Drizzle some additional melted dark chocolate over the top for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest or a dusting of powdered sugar for a visually appealing presentation.