Ciasteczka – Francuskie

• • Ciasteczka -francuskie – means little French cakes
  • This recipe originated in France in the 17th century and they were first called “financiers” and later “friands”.
  • They are small cakes baked in oval moulds.
  • These moulds are bigger than madeleine moulds.
  • These moulds can still be purchased nowadays.
  • You could use small tart tins and even small bun cases.
  • Friands have become very popular in Australia and New Zealand but it is not known when this started.
  • Alpine (wild) strawberries are used in this recipe and as I have lots of these in my garden I thought I would have a go!
  • This amount makes 6.

Ingredients

• 70g ground almonds
• 30g plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• 120g icing sugar
• 100g butter
• 3 egg whites
• 80g alpine strawberries
• *
• Icing sugar to dust

Method

• Greased the moulds.
• Pre-heat the oven to GM4 – 180°C.
• Mix almonds, flour, salt and sugar.
• Melt butter in a small saucepan and leave to cool.
• Whisk whites till frothy but – not as stiff as for meringues.
• Trickle butter into the dry mix.
• Add ½ the whites and mix lightly.
• Add the rest of of the whites until everything is mixed thoroughly.
• Spoon the mixture into moulds.
• Scatter the alpine strawberries on top.
• Bake for 16-18  minutes.
• Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Option

If you do not have any alpine strawberries use fresh strawberries cut into quarters or slices or use raspberries.