Latin Lace Florentines

Latin Lace Florentines Recipe - Quick Oats, Almonds, and Bittersweet Chocolate

Region / culture: Latin America | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes per batch | Servings: 36 cookies

Introduction

Latin Lace Florentines are a delicious and delicate cookie that combines the flavors of oats, almonds, and a hint of spice. These cookies are perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet treat any time of the year.

History

Florentine cookies have their origins in Italy, where they are traditionally made with almonds and honey. The addition of oats and spices in this Latin Lace Florentines recipe gives them a unique twist that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of quick-cooking oats
0.75 cup of all-purpose flour
0.75 cup of granulated sugar
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.75 tsp of chili powder
0.5 tsp of baking soda
0.5 tsp of salt
1.5 cups of sliced almonds
1.25 sticks of unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup of milk
0.25 cup of light corn syrup
1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
4 oz (113 g) of fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position.
Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and generously butter it.
In a large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, stir in almonds.
Add butter, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
Using heaping teaspoons of batter, scoop onto the prepared sheets, spacing them at least 3 inches apart. Place six cookies per sheet.
Bake one sheet at a time until the cookies are flat and browned around the edges, approximately 8 minutes.
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for several minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Once all the cookies are baked, melt the chocolate in a metal bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Use a very small tipped pastry bag or the tines of a fork to drizzle the chocolate in a zigzag pattern over the tops of the cookies.

Variations

Add dried fruit, such as cranberries or apricots, to the batter for a burst of sweetness.
Substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to space the cookies at least 3 inches apart on the baking sheet, as they will spread out during baking.

- Use a small tipped pastry bag or fork to drizzle the chocolate over the cookies for a professional-looking finish.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Latin Lace Florentines with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Latin Lace Florentines is to bake them until they are flat and browned around the edges. This will give them a crispy texture that is characteristic of this type of cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have quick-cooking oats, you can use old-fashioned oats instead. You can also substitute the almonds with another type of nut, such as pecans or walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

Latin Lace Florentines can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Latin Lace Florentines on a decorative platter and serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Latin Lace Florentines pair well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot chocolate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Latin Lace Florentines in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Latin Lace Florentines contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Latin Lace Florentines contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Latin Lace Florentines contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Latin Lace Florentines contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Latin Lace Florentines are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

Latin Lace Florentines contain almonds and dairy. They may also contain traces of wheat and soy.

Summary

Latin Lace Florentines are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of healthy fats and protein.

Summary

Latin Lace Florentines are a delicious and elegant cookie that is perfect for any occasion. With a delicate lace-like appearance and a rich flavor, these cookies are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Latin Lace Florentines. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria at her home. Maria had always been an incredible cook, and I loved spending time with her in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques.

On this particular day, Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today, my dear," she said, leading me to the kitchen. As we stood in front of the stove, Maria handed me a worn, stained recipe card with the words "Latin Lace Florentines" scrawled across the top.

"This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family," Maria explained. "It's a delicate and delicious cookie, perfect for special occasions."

As Maria began to walk me through the steps of making the cookies, I listened intently, taking notes and asking questions along the way. The recipe called for a mixture of butter, sugar, almonds, and orange zest, all combined to create a thin, lace-like cookie that would crisp up beautifully in the oven.

I watched as Maria expertly spooned the batter onto a baking sheet, forming delicate circles that spread out into intricate lace patterns as they baked. The smell of butter and almonds filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After the cookies had cooled, Maria handed me a plate with a few of the finished Florentines. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a different world - a world of rich, nutty flavors and crisp, caramelized edges. The cookies were truly a masterpiece, a perfect balance of crunchy and chewy, sweet and savory.

As I savored each bite, Maria regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the recipe many years ago. She spoke of lazy afternoons spent in the kitchen, watching as her grandmother worked her magic with just a few simple ingredients.

I could see the love and pride in Maria's eyes as she spoke, and it made me realize the true power of food and family. Recipes like these were more than just instructions for making a meal - they were a connection to the past, a way to preserve memories and traditions for future generations.

From that day on, Latin Lace Florentines became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for holidays, birthdays, and any special occasion that called for a touch of elegance and sweetness. Each time I pulled out the tattered recipe card, I thought of Maria and her grandmother, and the bond that food had created between us.

Now, as I pass the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I hope they will feel the same sense of joy and connection that I do when I bake these delicate, delicious cookies. And I know that as they continue to share this recipe with their own loved ones, the tradition will live on, weaving its way through the generations like a fine lace pattern, connecting us all in a shared love of food, family, and memories.