Festive Florentines

So tell me :: have you ever heard of Florentines??

I hadn't until last week. Had no idea what these little scrumptious beauties were at all, had never come across them, had never eaten them, and had certainly never thought to make them. But last week I was enjoying a quiet moment browsing through a beautiful book called Christmas Inspirations by Rose Hammick & Charlotte Packer, and there they were on page 121, looking quite festive and delicious. From the recipe they seemed easy to make with only a few uncomplicated ingredients, so I thought I'd give them a whirl. And oh.....what a delight these are!

I ended up experimenting a little with the recipe, making a couple of changes to suit my taste/store cupboard. The original recipe used mixed peel and glace cherries, neither of which I had in or am particularly fond of. So I used a mixture of dried cranberries and apricots when I first made them, but I found the apricots a little sweet so now use just the cranberries. I also altered the chocolatey bit, making mine with a mixture of dark chocolate and milk chocolate orange. And I have to say, in my humble opinion, using chocolate-orange was quite inspired and reeeeeeeaally makes these very special indeed.

So anyhow, here is my version of Festive Florentines.

Or to describe them another way, Cranberry and Chocolate Orange Florentines...

Into a heat proof bowl, put the following ::

50g butter

50g caster sugar

1 tablespoon clear runny honey.

Pop the bowl into the microwave for about 45seconds so that everything melts together, and give a good stir.

Now add ::

50g plain flour

Stir well until you have a smooth paste.

Now add ::

50g flaked almonds

50g dried cranberries

Mix well.

The mixture should make around 18 Florentines, so either use two baking sheets or bake in two batches. You'll need to line your baking sheet(s) with grease proof paper, then dollop on teaspoons of the mixture. Space them well apart as they spread when they cook.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 / 350 / gas 4 for 8-10 mins :: NOTE :: keep a close eye on how they're doing towards the end as it's easy to overcook them. They should end up a light golden colour.

The picture above is of the first batch I made which were baked for 10 mins, see how they look a bit brown and crispy at the edges?? I now take them out at 8 mins before they brown too much and they look/taste much nicer.

When the baking sheet comes out of the oven, leave for a couple of minutes so the florentines begin to harden, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool.

Now for the chocolately bit....you'll need to melt 120g good chocolate of your choice... I combined 60g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) and 60g milk chocolate orange, heated in the microwave for about 45secs, then stirred well until it all melted.

Spread a good teaspoon of melted chocolate onto the underside of each Florentine until it's well covered, then leave to cool/set completely.

These little festive Sweet Treats are sooooooo yummy, and very very good alongside a mug of freshly brewed morning coffee.

I'm going to be making up several batches to package prettily and give to family and friends next week as gifts.

Here's hoping they're scoffed with pleasure.

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Comments

[Pernickity Witch]

They look delicious! I have family coming over for Christmas, and may have to bake some in readiness (and some to "test" of course! The wrapping looks wonderful - can you let us know what you used?
Glad you're back and all well,

pw x

[Carole]

Doh, i thought i was going to be first he he!
Ooooooo Lucy these look lovely, definately going to have a go tooo. And make some for pressies tooo what a fab idea cos they seem sooooo easy to make. You`re brill. Hope you managed the school run this morning safely. We`ve got a heap of snow here in Rossendale, expect you have too?!Yes i would like to know how you did the packaging too plz?
Have a restful weekend
Love Carole xxxxxx

[Quincelady]

I thought I could spy a florentine next to your mug in yesterday's post! I certainly have heard of them. My mum makes them every year at Christmas and has been doing so forever. I carry on the tradition and made 60 yesterday, there are now only 40! I use candied cherries and peel in mine but cranberries sound yummy.They are indeed a truly festive biscuit.
Sue x

[SparklePetal]

They look gorgeous! I think your modifications to the recipe sound just perfect, what a happy way to use a chocolate orange :)

[Petit Filoux]

I made these last year for the first time, they are indeed so delicious!!! And fairly easy to make too, which is always a bonus! Love the idea of the chocolate orange, might try that next time! Thanks! x

[Alex Mason]

They look yummy!! xx

[Jackie]

Mmmmmmm Lucy ~ they certainly look very yummy indeed and I love the sound of the orange chocolate too. I will definitely be giving these a try sometime very soon. Hope you have a very lovely weekend :O)

[Brianna]

Florentines are the best. We make them every year (my mom & I) and they come out so good. They're a New England staple in America, made every Christmas by many families. Thanks for the recipe... mine's a little different, but I can't wait to try this version!

[Anna-Karin, Sweden]

YUMMY!!!!
It's a good Christmas present indeed! I love homemade presents.
Love Anna xxx

[Annegret]

You are great. Here in Germany we call them "Florentiner" with many nuts, almonds and of course chocolate. Your ones look so "fruity" (I do not know whether this word exits or not). I will "translate" your recipe and will try it. Thanks for your never ending ideas.

Annegret

[French Knots]

Mmm, they look fabby! I'd have to make ones for presents just before I gave them to the recipient....otherwise I'd eat them all!

[Robbie]

Hi Lucy, Soooo enjoyed your post of Florentine's. I have never heard of them and I think they look and sound yummy. I'm going to make them on the weekend to sample before the xmas guests arrive! Of course I think I will then have to make more for the family. Thank you for the great idea. Love, Robbie Have a great weekend if I don't hear from you tomorrow. Although I hope I do :0)

[marigold jam]

Yes I had heard of and indeed enjoyed eating Florentines but have never made them myself so will be keen to give your recipe a go!

Jane

[Kim]

Ooh they look delicious I have had Florentines before but the addition of chocolate orange which just happens to be one of my favourites is inspired! Kim x

[Daffys Garden]

Oh! How utterly gorgeous!!

I was looking for a cheerily easy biscuit recipe to adapt for family presents, and this may just be it!

Mine might have to have dates in... and cashews....

(hope you don't mind!)

Jenni
xx

[Helen]

I make them too but instead of the honey, butter , sugar mix my recipe uses condensed milk. Don't know whether you have that over there but we love them too.
Mine have the chocolate melted in the bottom of a slice pan then the rest of the mixture poured on top then baked. When they're cool you just have to slice into squares and the chocolate icing is already done!

[lucy]

Yum! I am still trying to loose the extra pounds I gained after eating too much of your tiffin!

[gudrun]

yes i know them - my mom makes them every year for my father - because these cookies are his favorites...
greetings gudrun

[Carol]

They look scrummy! Wonder if Morrisons still have the "buy one get two free" offer on chocolate oranges.......

[Sherina]

Just wanted to say a thank you for all your posts - so many fabulous tried and tested goodies, from your baking to crochet tutorials. You got me started on crochet with all your well thought out and simplified patterns, so satisfying to be able to make something! Best of luck in the New Year with the arrival of your little one. I hope you will still be able to keep up with blogging in between all the busy times ahead!

[Jane]

I love love love florentines, thank you for the recipe. Jane

[Kelly]

Yum, they look truly delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe, I might give them a try. :-)

[Kim]

I am definetely going to make these this weekend!

[PinkCat]

Yum! I think the chocolate and orange combination is pure bliss. I'll be giving these a go before Christmas is out! x

[marian]

Thank you for the recipe. I HAD heard of them, maybe even ate them, lol. AM going to make them soon