Italian Desserts > Italian Cookies > Italian Lady Fingers

Caramel-Pecan Lady Fingers Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Special Equipment Needed:
- Electric mixer
- 2 baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- 2 cooling racks

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until combined.
5. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
6. Slowly add the flour mixture and beat until combined.
7. Stir in the pecans.
8. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
11. Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely.
12. Drizzle with caramel sauce.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 lady fingers

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 140
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- For the butter, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- For the granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- For the eggs, you can use flax eggs or applesauce.
- For the pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds.

Variations:
- For a chocolate version, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture.
- For a spiced version, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the flour mixture.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a light and airy texture.
- To make sure the lady fingers don't spread too much, make sure to drop the dough by tablespoonfuls and leave enough space between them.

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

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the lady fingers on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

Garnishes:
- Chopped pecans
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Fresh berries

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the lady fingers are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to the dough.
- If the lady fingers are too crumbly, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the dough.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and bowls when making the dough.
- Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling the dough.

Food History:
Lady fingers are a type of biscuit that originated in Italy in the 18th century. They are a popular dessert in many countries around the world.

Flavor Profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and caramel-y.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an after-dinner treat or as a snack with coffee or tea.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Caramelized