Five Days of Christmas Cookies (DAY 3): Nonna Gina’s Florentines

This website and my love for cooking all stems from my wonderful mother Gina. She is the ultimate Nonna and taught me how to appreciate a delicious home cooked meal. She is an amazing cook and an incredible person. I am so grateful to have her in my life and also living close by so I can spend every day with her. We are always cooking together, testing new recipes and remaking the classics.

This recipe was given to her many years ago by a neighbor. Florentines allegedly come from Florence Italy so one more reason to love Italy! They are buttery, nutty and sweet from the fruit. A great holiday combination.

You can use any kind of dried fruit you like, just chop them up in small pieces because these cookies look like lace after they are baked. My mom always smears the backside of the cookie with melted chocolate. They are pretty and delicious.

Florentines

Makes

Serves
Prep time: Total time:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ cup chopped nuts (we use almonds)
¼ cup chopped dried fruit (we use cherries, figs)
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter, sugar, and corn syrup over low heat until melted and combined. Approximately three minutes.
Remove from the heat and add flour and orange zest. Stir until smooth. Add nuts and fruit.
Drop by ½ teaspoon on parchment paper. Leave 2 inches between each cookie. They will spread.
Bake for approximately 12 minutes. Cookies will be brown and lacy. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Remove to rack. Drizzle chocolate on top or smear on the back like Nonna Gina does.

Buon Appetito!

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