Strawberry Financier

Strawberry Financier Recipe - A Delicious French Dessert

Region / culture: France | Servings: This recipe makes 24.

Introduction

Strawberry Financier is a delicious and elegant dessert that combines the nutty flavor of almonds with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

The Financier is a classic French pastry that originated in the 19th century. It was created by a pastry chef in Paris who wanted to make a dessert that was easy to eat on the go. The name "Financier" comes from the fact that the pastry was originally baked in rectangular molds that resembled gold bars, which were often carried by bankers.

Ingredients

Ingredients for strawberry almond Financier

10 lb (4.54 kg) sliced almonds, toasted
1 lb (454 g) 4 oz granulated sugar, divided
9 oz (255 g) all-purpose flour
12 large egg whites
12 oz (340 g) clarified butter
1 lb (454 g) California strawberries, stemmed and coarsely chopped

Ingredients for Champagne Sabayon

20 large egg yolks
1 lb (454 g) 4 oz granulated sugar
1 pt (473 ml) champagne
3 tbsp lemon juice

How to prepare

Directions for Strawberry Almond Financier:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a food processor, grind almonds and 10 oz (283 g) of sugar until almonds are finely ground.
Add flour and pulse 2 or 3 times. Set aside.
Using a mixer, beat egg whites until foamy.
Gradually add 10 oz (283 g) of sugar, beating until soft peaks form.
Fold in the almond mixture and butter, mixing just until blended.
Fold in the strawberries. Do not overmix.
Lightly grease 24 (3 x 2 inches) metal cake rings and place them on parchment-lined sheet pans.
Spoon 6 oz (170 g) (#6 scoop) of batter into each ring.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and the tops are firm.
Cool slightly before removing the rings. Cool on a rack.
Directions for Champagne Sabayon:
In a large bowl over simmering water, whisk together egg yolks and sugar.
Mix in champagne and continue to whisk vigorously until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) and becomes thick and foamy.
Stir in lemon juice.
Cover and keep warm at 150°F (66°C) in a food warmer until ready to serve. Alternatively, it can be chilled and served cold.
Yield: 2 qt (1.89 liter)
To order each serving:
Dust the strawberry almond financier with confectioners' sugar.
Place 1 financier and 0.5 cup of strawberries on a serving plate.
Ladle 0.33 cup of champagne sabayon over the strawberries.

Variations

Substitute raspberries or blueberries for the strawberries for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the almonds before grinding them to bring out their nutty flavor.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter when folding in the strawberries to avoid a tough texture.

- Use metal cake rings to create perfectly shaped financiers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Financier with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites until soft peaks form will help create a light and airy texture in the financiers.

- Folding in the almond mixture and butter gently will ensure a tender crumb.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular butter instead of clarified butter in this recipe.

- If you don't have champagne, you can use sparkling wine or prosecco in the sabayon.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the batter for the Strawberry Financier in advance and bake them just before serving for a fresh and warm dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Strawberry Financier on a decorative plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Strawberry Financier with a glass of champagne or a sweet dessert wine for a perfect ending to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Financier in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes to refresh.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Financier contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Financier contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Financier contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Financier contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and manganese, while almonds provide vitamin E and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds, eggs, and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Strawberry Financier is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry Financier is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of almonds and strawberries in a delicate and elegant pastry. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret, who lived in the countryside. We had known each other since we were young girls, and I always loved spending time with her and her family.

On this particular day, Margaret invited me into her kitchen to help her make a special dessert. She called it Strawberry Financier, and she told me that it was a traditional French pastry that her grandmother used to make.

As we gathered the ingredients and started to mix them together, Margaret shared the story of how she learned to make this delicious dessert. She told me that her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was a little girl, and that she had passed it down through the generations.

I was fascinated by the history behind the recipe and the love and care that had gone into perfecting it over the years. Margaret's eyes sparkled with joy as she talked about her memories of making the Strawberry Financier with her grandmother, and I could see how much it meant to her to share this tradition with me.

As we worked together in the kitchen, mixing the butter, sugar, and almond flour, I felt a sense of connection to Margaret's family and their heritage. The scent of the strawberries filled the room, and I could almost taste the sweet, buttery goodness of the dessert as it baked in the oven.

When the Strawberry Financier was finally ready, we sat down at the table to enjoy it together. The pastry was light and fluffy, with a hint of almond and a burst of fresh strawberries in every bite. It was truly a taste of the past, a reminder of the love and care that had gone into creating this recipe.

After that day, I knew that I had to learn how to make Strawberry Financier myself. I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with her grandmother's handwritten notes and tips for making it just right.

I practiced making the dessert over and over again, tweaking the ingredients and techniques until I had perfected my own version of the recipe. I shared it with my family and friends, who raved about its delicious taste and asked for the recipe themselves.

Over the years, I have made Strawberry Financier for countless special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of that summer day with Margaret and the bond we share over this cherished recipe.

As I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of tradition and connection that I do when they make it. The Strawberry Financier is more than just a dessert – it is a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the love and care that has been passed down through the generations.

And so, every time I bake a batch of Strawberry Financier, I am honoring the memory of Margaret's grandmother and the special bond that we share. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy and love that can be found in a simple, delicious dessert.