Florentines

Ingredients

1-3/4 cup almonds, blanched, sliced, and slightly toasted
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons orange or lemon zest (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons maple syrup
5 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 ounces chocolate

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Pulse the almonds in a food processor until chopped. Stir together nuts, zest, and flour.

Put the sugar, cream, maple syrup, and butter in a small saucepan. Cook until mixture comes to a rolling boil and sugar has dissolved. Boil for 1 more minute and remove from heat. Add the vanilla.

Pour mixture over almond mixture and stir to combine. Set aside until cool enough to handle, about half an hour.

For 3 inch round cookies, scoop mixture with teaspoon and roll into a ball. Place 3-4 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet.

Drizzle with chocolate.