Baked Goods > Desserts > French Cakes

Almond and Coconut Friands Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup almond meal
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Sliced almonds for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Friand molds or muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease the friand molds or muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond meal, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and shredded coconut.
3. Add the melted butter, egg whites, vanilla extract, and salt to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
5. Top each friand with sliced almonds.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool in the molds for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12 friands

Nutritional information:
Calories: 198
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 59mg
Sugar: 16g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond meal can be substituted with hazelnut meal or pecan meal.
- Powdered sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar, but the texture of the friands may be slightly different.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Shredded coconut can be substituted with desiccated coconut or omitted altogether.

Variations:
- Add lemon zest or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Substitute the shredded coconut with chocolate chips for a chocolatey version.
- Top the friands with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a fruity twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled before adding it to the batter to prevent the egg whites from curdling.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent the friands from becoming tough.
- Use a toothpick to check if the friands are done. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Store the friands in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
Store the friands in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the friands in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the friands on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.

Garnishes:
Top the friands with sliced almonds or fresh berries for a beautiful garnish.

Pairings:
Serve the friands with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious afternoon treat.

Suggested side dishes:
The friands can be served as a standalone treat, but they also pair well with fresh fruit or a side salad for a light snack.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the friands are too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the friands are too moist, try reducing the amount of egg whites in the recipe.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean and sanitized equipment when preparing the friands. Store them in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
Friands are a popular Australian and New Zealand treat that originated in France. They are similar to financiers, which are small almond cakes.

Flavor profiles:
The almond and coconut friands have a nutty and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of vanilla.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the friands as a sweet treat for afternoon tea or as a dessert after dinner.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Almondy, Coconutty