Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Florentines




Don't these look pretty? This is the last post featuring treats from my Christmas gift boxes, this time being Florentines. If you have never come across these little gems before, Florentines are crispy cookies containing cornflakes, nuts and glace fruit, with a chocolate back. They are delicious, and I will often buy one to have with coffee (persuading myself that they are more virtuous than cake or a muffin :)).

Because we had very damp weather when I made these cookies, my Florentines were crispy for the sum total of one afternoon, after which they became rather chewy, although still delicious (IMHO - LOL). Accordingly, I recommend making these during dry conditions so that you don't face the same problem.

I used Karen Martini's recipe for Florentines, which you can find online at Susan's Food.Baby website, or as I did, in Karen's latest book, Cooking at Home (which I bought using a Borders gift voucher that my work colleagues gave me for my birthday - I am a lucky chick).


This is the back view of the Florentines after their chocolate back has been painted on - this is 70% cocoa Whittakers dark chocolate, and it tasted superb!


If you have never made Florentines before, I recommend Karen's recipe. It is a little fiddly pushing the mixture into a round cookie cutter to give them their trademark round shape (and your hands become very sticky!!), but the end result is worth it. You can readily substitute other fruits and nuts or leave some out if you don't have the exact combination suggested by Karen.

Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful 2009.

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16 comments:

  1. The Blonde DuckDecember 31, 2008 at 8:12 AM

    I've never made these, but I sure would like to try!

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  2. IvyDecember 31, 2008 at 10:25 PM

    I am sure we would love these. The ingredients are perfect. Happy New Year Cake.

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  3. Gloria BakerJanuary 1, 2009 at 12:40 AM

    Love these Cakelaws look lovely!!! and yummy!! Have a wonderful New Year, huggs! Gloria

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  4. The Blonde DuckJanuary 1, 2009 at 7:44 AM

    Those are very pretty and sound very tasty! Happy New Year!

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  5. nataliaJanuary 1, 2009 at 10:00 PM

    Ciao ! I can't believe after all the wonderful baking you found time for florentines too ! Complimenti and a very happy new year ! Baci

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  6. aforkfulofspaghettiJanuary 3, 2009 at 1:59 AM

    Yep, they do look very pretty - and highly edible, too! I meant to make some florentines for Christmas, but simply ran out of time. Boo - now I'm reminded what I missed out on!

    Happy New Year to you!

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  7. adeleJanuary 3, 2009 at 2:30 AM

    Mmm. Lucky recipients!

    Happy New Year!

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  8. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2009 at 1:41 PM

    Wow, these look delicious! I've never made them but always thought that florentines look so delicate and beautiful!

    Happy 2009!

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  9. CakelawJanuary 3, 2009 at 4:38 PM

    Hi Blonde Duck, these are good to eat (hey, there's chocolate on the back!!), and despite all the chopping, are not so bad to make.

    Thanks Ivy - Happy New Year to you too.

    Hi Gloria, they are yummy - thanks and Happy New Year!

    Hi Natalia, it was a race to the finish to get it all done, but a really fun project. Happy New Year!

    Hi 'Ghetti, plenty of time this year to make them. Happy New Year to you too!

    Thanks Adele, Happy New Year!

    Hi Juju, they are one of my favourite cookies, and I have always wanted to make them. Happy New Year!

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  10. Rosa's Yummy YumsJanuary 3, 2009 at 9:21 PM

    Oh, yummy! I love Florentines and yours look so good!

    Happy New Year and best wishes for 2009!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2009 at 10:02 AM

    I've always wanted to make these as gifts, thanks for the inspiration Cakelaw! :)

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  12. CakelawJanuary 4, 2009 at 4:41 PM

    Thanks Rosa - Happy New Year to you too!

    Hi Lorraine, I had coveted these for ages, but always seemed to forget the crucial ingredients. However, it was worth it when I finally got it together.

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  13. LoreJanuary 4, 2009 at 8:22 PM

    Yes they do! Very pretty indeed and I'm sure they were yummy too.
    Happy New Year!!!

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  14. The Caked CrusaderJanuary 4, 2009 at 9:11 PM

    Happy new year

    I think the best florentines are a little chewy.

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    Have a wonderful and happy new year Cakelaw! :)

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  16. CakelawJanuary 5, 2009 at 12:43 PM

    Hi Lore, Happy New Year! I liked these personally, and there was heaps leftover from the gift boxes for me to eat!

    Hi Crusader, glad to hear it - I debated whether to leave these out of the boxes or not, but I was glad I didn't.

    Happy New Year Maryann!

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Thanks for dropping by!