Financiers

Originally created to be eaten by bankers without getting fingers messy, these almond cakes showcase brown butter's magic.

Traditional Almond Financiers

Yield: 12 financiers Prep time: 20 minutes Bake time: 15-18 minutes

#### Ingredients - 115g unsalted butter - 70g almond flour - 100g powdered sugar - 40g all-purpose flour - Pinch of salt - 3 large egg whites - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

#### Instructions

1. Brown the butter: In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until nutty and golden brown (5-7 minutes). Pour into bowl, including brown bits.

2. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt.

3. Combine: Whisk egg whites until frothy but not stiff. Add to dry ingredients with extracts, mix until smooth. Stream in brown butter, mixing until incorporated.

4. Rest: Let batter rest 15 minutes while preheating oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and flour financier molds.

5. Bake: Fill molds nearly full. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown and centers spring back.

6. Cool: Let cool 5 minutes before unmolding. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations: - Brown Butter Hazelnut: Substitute hazelnut flour, add chopped hazelnuts - Fruit-Topped: Press fresh raspberries or blueberries into batter before baking - Pistachio: Use pistachio flour, add green food coloring if desired

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