Florentinecrepes Recipes

CREPES FLORENTINE

Steps:

• For crepes, in a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs and butter. Combine flour and salt; add to milk mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. , Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet; pour 2 tablespoons batter into the center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, adding butter to skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels in between., For filling, in a large saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg until smooth; gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat to low; stir in the cream and 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat., In a skillet, saute mushrooms and shallot in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and egg until smooth. Beat in mushroom mixture. Add enough cheese sauce to achieve a spreadable consistency. In a large bowl, combine the spinach and 1/2 cup cheese sauce until blended. Add additional sauce if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency., To assemble, on two greased 9-in. ovenproof pie or tart pans, layer a crepe, spinach mixture, another crepe, then mushroom mixture. Repeat five more times. Pour remaining sauce over the stacks. Sprinkle with remaining Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. Dot with remaining butter. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour., Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before baking. Bake at 350°; for 55-60 minutes or until bubbly and golden and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Cut into wedges.

FLORENTINES (ITALY)

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
• Pulse the almonds in a food processor until finely chopped, but not pasty. Stir together the nuts, flour, zest and salt in a large bowl.
• Put the sugar, cream, corn syrup and butter in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a rolling boil and sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, then pour mixture into almond mixture and stir just to combine. Set aside until cool enough to handle, 30 minutes.
• Scoop rounded teaspoons (for 3-inch cookies) or rounded tablespoons (for 6-inch cookies) of batter and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 3 to 4 inches between each cookie since they spread.
• Bake 1 pan at a time, until the cookies are thin and an even golden brown color throughout, rotating pans halfway through baking time, about 10 to 11 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve.
• Optional chocolate topping: Put the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1 inch or so of water to a very low simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 1 minute. Stir, and continue heat until completely melted, about 1 to 2 minutes more.)
• For sandwiches: Drop about 1/2 teaspoon chocolate onto on the flat side of half of the cookies and press together with remaining halves. Return to rack and let chocolate set.
• For chocolate decor: Drizzle melted chocolate over Florentines as desired. Set aside at room temperature until chocolate is set.

FLORENTINES II

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Blend the sugar and the cream. Stir in the flour, almonds and orange peel. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a heavily creased and floured cookie sheet. Spread mixture into thin circles with a spatula.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) just until the edges are light brown about 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool a few minutes before removing from the cookie sheet, cool.
• Chop the chocolate up into small pieces. Melt chocolate over low heat or in the microwave on medium for about 3 minutes. Turn the cooled cookies upside down and spread the bottoms with the melted chocolate. Let cookies stand at room temperature until chocolate is firm, at least 3 hours. Store in a covered container at room temperature or refrigerate.

SAVORY CREPES FLORENTINE

Steps:

• To prepare the filling:.
• In a large bowl, combine the ricotta or tofu, spinach, onion, egg, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
• To prepare the sauce:.
• Melt the butter in a heavy medium size saucepan over moderate heat.
• Add the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly-2 to 3 minutes.
• Slowly blend in the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer, still stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened and smooth.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, white pepper, and mace.
• One at a time, place each crepe with the most attractive side facedown, so that it will be on the outside when rolled.
• Spoon 3 to 4 tbls.
• of filling down the center, then fold the sides over.
• The crepe should be snugly filled, but not so stuffed that the filling spills out at the ends.
• Preheat the oven to 350*F.
• Lay the crepes seam side down, just touching one another, in a lightly greased, 13"x9"x2" baking dish.
• Pour the sauce over all; top with the Parmesan cheese.
• At this point, the crepes can be stored.
• refrigerate in the baking dish, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours.
• (From the refrigerator, preheat the oven to 400*F. Bake, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover and proceed baking for 30 to 40 minutes, as stated below) Freeze in the labeled, tightly covered dish for up to 1 month at 0*F (From freezer,Preheat the oven to 400*F. Do not thaw the crepes. Bake, uncovered, for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until the crepes are heated through and the sauce is simmering. Brown and serve as states below).
• Bake the crepes, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.
• run them under the broiler until browned-2 to 3 minutes.
• Accompany with a salad of sliced tomatoes and red onions with a creamy vinaigrette.
• Enjoy!
• Serves 6.

STEAK FLORENTINE

Steps:

• Rub the garlic cloves over the meat and the bone of the steaks. Sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper. Place in the refrigerator and allow seasoning to permeate the meat, for about 1 hour. Remove from the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before grilling, allowing the meat to come to room temperature.
• Place a grill pan over high heat or prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill the steaks until cooked to desired doneness, turning once, about 5 minutes per side for rare, 7 minutes per side for medium-rare. The key to getting those great grill marks is to place the steak down and not move them. After you flip them, do not shift the steaks.
• Allow the steaks to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, otherwise all the juices will be run all over your cutting board. Run your knife along the bone and carve the meat off the bone. Slice the meat into 1-inch slices. Transfer the slices to a platter. Squeeze the lemon over the steaks. Drizzle with the oil and serve immediately with Grilled Vegetables.
• Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare the barbecue (medium-high heat). Brush the vegetables with 1/4 cup of the oil to coat lightly. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper. Working in batches, grill the vegetables until tender and lightly charred all over, about 8 to 10 minutes for the bell peppers; 7 minutes for the yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms; 4 minutes for the asparagus and green onions. Arrange the vegetables on a platter. The key to getting those great grill marks is to not shift the vegetables too frequently once they've been placed on the hot grill.
• Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parsley, basil, and rosemary in a small bowl to blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the herb mixture over the vegetables. Serve the vegetables, warm or at room temperature.

CLASSIC FLORENTINE COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a baking tray with a silicone-coated liner.
• Place the sliced almonds in a re-sealable bag and crush them a little using a rolling pin or even your hands. Set aside.
• Place the sugar, honey and whipping cream in a small saucepot and bring up to a full boil while stirring, and continue to boil and stir until the mixture reaches 244 °F (118 °C) on a candy thermometer. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the almonds and transfer this to a bowl to cool for about 15 minutes.
• Have a bowl of cool water on hand as well as a 2 ½-inch (65 mm) round cookie cutter. Drop small teaspoonfuls of the almond batter onto the prepared baking tray, leaving at least 3 to 4 inches (75-100 mm) between the spoonfuls to allow for spreading. With wet fingers, press down the almond batter a little. Bake the Florentines for about 12 minutes, until they have flattened and have browned evenly (you may find rotating the pans halfway through baking promotes even browning). Let the Florentines sit for 30 to 90 seconds to set a little (but not fully). Dip the cookie cutter in the cool water and press it into each cookie to cut a precise circle. Now allow the cookies to fully cool and use a palette knife to carefully lift them off the tray, carefully pulling away the trimmings. Repeat with the remaining batter (and keep the cookie trimming scraps - they make an excellent topping for ice cream, or stirred into a cheesecake batter.
• Once the Florentines have fully cooled, prepare the chocolate for brushing on each. To temper the chocolate, you will need a marble board (or a granite or other stone countertop, or a stainless steel counter will also do). Place all of the chopped chocolate in a metal bowl and set this over a pot of barely simmering water (no bubbles visible), stirring gently until melted and the temperature reaches 113 - 122 °F (45-50 °C). Pour two thirds of the chocolate onto your marble surface and set bowl with the remaining chocolate off to the side on a towel (away from heat and not on the marble).
• Using two putty knives, or a palette knife & bench scraper, spread out the chocolate into a thin layer and use your tools to push the chocolate back into the centre of the board, scarping your tools to clean them of the chocolate at each push. This action of moving the chocolate plus the cooling property of the marble will lower the temperature of the chocolate. Keep repeating this process or spreading and scraping in until a temperature of 81 - 82 °F (27-28 °C) is achieved.
• Stir and check the temperature of your reserved chocolate - it should have cooled to about 104 - 113 °F (40-45 °C). Now add the marble-cooled chocolate back to the bowl and stir for about 30 seconds before checking the temperature - it should be between 88 - 90 °F (31-32 °C) and is now "tempered". To double check, dip a piece of parchment into the chocolate and set on your marble - it should start setting within a minute or two.
• Use a pastry brush to brush an even layer of the chocolate onto the back of each Florentine and place these on a parchment-lined baking tray** to set. Pop the tray in the fridge for 3-5 minutes, just for a final "cure" or set, but then remove to store the Florentines in a cool place, in an airtight container. ** As a decorative option, you can use cocoa butter transfer sheets (found at stores that carry cake decorating supplies) and place the chocolate brushed Florentine on the sheet. Chill the Florentines as above, then peel then off the transfer sheet, revealing a lovely, shiny design and store.The Florentines will keep for up to a week.

FLORENTINES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C/gas 4. Line two baking sheets with baking parchment.Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup in a small saucepan over a low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and whisk in the flour then add the cherries, flaked almonds, pistachios and orange zest.
• Scoop 10 flat tbsp of the mixture onto the baking sheets, leaving room for them to spread. You will need to do these in batches. Bake for 10 mins until golden. Leave to cool for 2 mins until firm enough to lift onto a wire rack. Cool completely. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
• Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a simmering saucepan of water or in the microwave in 30 second bursts. Turn the florentines over on the wire rack. Spoon chocolate onto the base of each florentine and gently spread to the edges. When the chocolate is firm enough to hold its shape, use a fork to draw wavy lines across the chocolate. Leave to set and then store in an airtight container.

EASY CHICKEN FLORENTINE

Steps:

• Season chicken with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and saute until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
• Add shallot and garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook 2 more minutes. Add condensed soup, chicken broth, and sour cream; stir to combine. Add spinach and cook for 5 minutes.
• Serve on plates and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

CHICKEN FLORENTINE CREPE (IHOP'S COPYCAT)

Steps:

• Combine flour, milk, eggs, butter and salt in a bowl. beat until all the flour lumps are gone. the consistency will be like thin pancake batter. set aside.
• Sauté chicken and garlic on butter until golden brown.
• Pour in milk and cream of chicken. simmer. reduce to low to medium heat.
• After simmer, put the spinach and cheese inches keep stirring until the cheese completely melts. salt and pepper to taste. make sure the bottom wont stick. keep simmering until the sauce is reduced.
• While the chicken is simmering, start cooking the crepes. in a lightly greased skillet, pour about 3 tbsp of batter and spread it as thin as possible. do not flip. in about 1 minute, check the bottom side of the crepe if light brown. cook only one side of the crepe or else it will be crunchy.
• By the time you're done with the crepes, chicken should be done too. pour about 3/4 cup of chicken on each crepe on the center. wrap each side. top lightly with parmesan cheese.

FLORENTINE CREPE CUPS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt, eggs and milk until smooth. Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet; add 3 tablespoons of batter. Lift and tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until top appears dry. Place in a greased muffin cup. Repeat with the remaining batter., In a large bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Place 1/4 cup in each crepe cup. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until eggs are completely set.

FLORENTINE DIP

Steps:

• Using a wooden spoon, blend the cream cheese and anchovy paste together in a medium bowl. Add the sour cream, parsley, chives, capers, lemon juice and garlic, season with salt and pepper, then stir until well blended. Place in the refrigerator for several hours to season.
• Spoon the dip into a bowl and serve with sliced vegetables or potato chips, or both.

FLORENTINE CHEESE CRêPES

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup flour and salt in medium bowl. Add eggs, melted butter and 1/2 cup milk; whisk until blended. Let stand 30 min.
• Spray heavy 8-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat on medium heat. Pour 2 Tbsp. batter into skillet; tilt skillet to evenly cover bottom of skillet with batter. Cook 1 to 2 min. or until bottom of crêpe is lightly browned. Run spatula around edge of crêpe to loosen from skillet; turn crêpe. Cook 1 min. or until bottom of crêpe is lightly browned. Remove from skillet; set aside. Repeat with remaining batter to make 7 additional crêpes.
• Heat oven to 350°F. Melt 1/4 cup butter in medium saucepan on low heat. Stir in remaining flour. Cook and stir 2 min. or until bubbly. Gradually stir in remaining milk until blended. Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook on medium-low heat 2 to 3 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Add Parmesan; mix well.
• Combine spinach and Swiss cheese in medium bowl. Add 1 cup cream cheese sauce; mix well. Spoon about 1/4 cup spinach mixture down center of each crêpe; roll up. Place, seam sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining cream cheese sauce. Sprinkle with paprika.
• Bake 25 to 30 min. or until heated through.