Indulge in the exquisite taste of Mary Berry’s Florentines, a holiday baking sensation that will leave you craving more. These elegant, chewy biscuits are the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy, offering pure indulgence in every bite. With the right blend of dried cranberries or glacé cherries, candied peel, and crunchy nuts, these florentines are a festive treat unlike any other. This recipe, originally shared by the BBC and championed by the beloved baking icon Mary Berry, is surprisingly quick and easy, requiring only 30 minutes of prep time – ideal for even the busiest holiday schedules.
The secret to perfectly crafted Florentines lies in the precise measuring of ingredients. Mary Berry emphasizes careful weighing to achieve that perfect balance of texture and flavor. This recipe yields 18 delectable biscuits, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a little personal holiday cheer. The BBC rightly notes that these are “chewy, luxurious biscuits,” and with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to recreate this magic in your own kitchen.
Mary Berry’s Florentine Recipe:
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Ingredients:
* 50g butter
* 50g demerara sugar
* 50g golden syrup
* 50g plain flour
* 25g dried cranberries or glacé cherries, finely chopped
* 50g candied peel, finely chopped
* 25g almonds, finely chopped
* 25g walnut pieces, finely chopped
* 200g plain chocolate (70 percent cocoa solids)
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Instructions:
1.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or Gas Mark 4.
Line three baking trays with baking parchment or silicone baking mats for easy removal.2.
Melt the magic:
In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter, sugar, and golden syrup together over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and the butter is completely melted. Remove from the heat.3.
Combine the ingredients:
Stir in the flour, chopped cranberries (or cherries), candied peel, and chopped nuts. Mix until thoroughly combined and everything is evenly distributed.4.
Shape your Florentines:
Using a teaspoon, carefully spoon out 18 portions of the mixture onto your prepared baking trays. Leave enough space between each portion as they will spread during baking. Aim for approximately six teaspoonfuls per tray.5.
Bake to golden perfection:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.6.
Cool and transfer:
Allow the Florentines to cool on the baking trays for a few minutes before carefully lifting them onto a cooling rack using a palette knife. If they’re difficult to remove, pop them back in the oven for a minute or two to soften slightly.7.
The chocolate masterpiece:
Tempering the chocolate is crucial for a smooth, glossy finish. Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Break half the chocolate into the bowl and stir until melted and reaches 53°C. Chop the remaining chocolate. Once melted, remove from heat, add the chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth and the temperature reaches 26°C.8.
Finishing touch:
Spread a thin layer of the tempered chocolate onto the flat side of each Florentine. Let it cool slightly, then use a fork to create a decorative zigzag pattern. Allow the chocolate to set completely, chocolate-side up, on a cooling rack.9.
Store and enjoy:
Once set, store your exquisite Florentines in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and deliciousness.With its simple instructions and impressive results, Mary Berry’s Florentine recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious rewards of these truly luxurious biscuits!
