FLORENTINES

Florentines image

We love the citrus and nut combination of these classic cookies. Melted chocolate and candied cherries give them an extra-special touch. -Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 cups sliced almonds
3 tablespoons finely chopped candied orange peel
Semisweet chocolate chips, optional
Red or green candied cherries, halved, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, cream, honey, lemon zest and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 4 minutes or until a candy thermometer reads 225°. Remove from the heat; stir in almonds and orange peel., Drop by scant tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 6-8 minutes. Immediately flatten warm cookies with the back of a spoon. Cool completely on parchment paper., If desired, melt chips in a microwave; stir until smooth. Spread or brush over bottoms of cookies. Use a fork to create wavy lines in chocolate. Place a cherry half in the center. Let stand until set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 60 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 29mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.