Embrace the holiday spirit with these Decadent Florentine Delights! Combining the rich flavors of almonds, caramel, and chocolate, these treats are not only a joy to make but a spectacle to behold. Whether you choose to add citrus peels for a zesty note or keep it simple, each bite offers a crisp, caramelized texture complemented by the luxuriousness of smooth chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a treasure for anyone who cherishes the flavors of almonds, caramel, and chocolate. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for holiday baking. The combination of crunchy nuts and creamy chocolate provides a satisfying texture, while the optional citrus peels add a delightful twist.
Perfect Occasion:
These Florentine Delights are ideal for Christmas celebrations, as gifts, or as elegant treats for winter gatherings. They’re also great for cookie exchanges or as a sweet end to a festive meal. Their luxurious appearance and taste make them a hit at any dessert table.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance their appeal, consider using a variety of nut combinations or drizzle with white or milk chocolate for a contrasting effect. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on the chocolate before it sets for an extra pop of flavor. Presentation-wise, stack them in a clear cookie jar tied with a festive ribbon or arrange them on a decorative plate lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients:
- 150g of sugar
- 50g of honey
- 160g of cream
- 100g of candied lemon or orange peels, or both (optional)
- 100g of slivered almonds
- 50g of crushed pine nuts or peanuts
- 150g of chocolate
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, cook the cream, sugar, and honey until the mixture reaches 118°C. Add salt to taste if desired.
- Stir in the slivered almonds, chopped candied peels, and crushed nuts.
- Spread the mixture thinly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 150°C until it’s golden and spread out.
- Allow to cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm (to prevent hardening), use cookie cutters to shape.
- Melt the chocolate (no need to temper) and pour it into molds that match the diameter of your Florentines.
- Press the shaped mixture into the chocolate-filled molds and let set in a cool place.
Enjoy! Utilize any leftover scraps for a delicious, albeit less visually appealing, treat. These Florentine Delights offer a perfect blend of texture and flavor that’s sure to captivate anyone’s taste buds this holiday season.
