17th day of December – a festive recipe

My mum’s florentines are infamous, and I frequently am asked for the recipe.  Before sharing it, I have to confess I have never made them myself. As my Mum delivers boxes of them from time to time, I have never had to (thanks Mum!). So I am delighted to share this recipe, and how you enjoy making them as much as you will eating them.

My Mum’s Florentines

4 oz butter
3 oz caster sugar
1 generous table spoon double cream

Heat above ingredients gently to boil and simmer for 3 to 4 mins – will change colour slightly.

Add 4 oz flaked almonds, 4 oz glace cherries (red and green) cut into small pieces

Place on non-stick parchment in small spoonfuls (about 8 to a tray)

Bake at 180 degrees C in fan oven for 5 minutes approx

Remove when a good caramel colour

Pull into shape with a biscuit cutter. It seems difficult at first but perservere – it gets easier with practice!) If it gets cool, put into the oven again for a moment.

Have another tray ready to cook when the first ones come out.

Cool on greaseproof paper and when hard, cover the base with melted chocolate.

I use the non-stick paper again, so don’t discard this. These are time consuming to make, but worth it!
If you make them, be sure to let me know how you get on!

I attended another carol service today – my 4th this season, with 3 more still to go! This one was the senior carol service at my kids primary school, and my middle daughter was singing.

I sat with my friend, and it was her youngest child’s final carol service at this school, so when the daughter sang a solo, my friend’s eyes “leaked” (as her daughter would say!).

Still not tired of carol services, I love to sing carols!

At the end of the Infant Concert last week (where my son was a snowman) the Primary 3 kids and staff shared a video they made, and it is now available to share with you.

Have a look, and Merry Christmas from the kids in Northern Ireland.

So how is your pre-Christmas week going? As hectic as mine? I am looking forward to things quietening down once school finishes tomorrow at noon for all three kids.

I am sharing this post with the Inspired Room Holiday Linky Friday.