Florentines

Name: Florentines
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 dozen.
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

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

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

Directions

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

1 each: 60 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Florentines in Country Woman Christmas 2011