Desserts > Cookies > Italian

Orange-Almond Lady Fingers Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Special Equipment Needed:
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the orange zest and almond extract and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the sliced almonds.
7. Drop the batter by the teaspoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 60
Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: can be substituted with almond flour or gluten-free flour
- Granulated sugar: can be substituted with coconut sugar or maple syrup
- Orange zest: can be substituted with lemon zest or lime zest
- Almond extract: can be substituted with vanilla extract
- Sliced almonds: can be substituted with chopped walnuts or pecans

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dates for a fruity twist.
- Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a chocolatey flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can cause the cookies to be dense and chewy.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with fresh orange slices and mint leaves.
- Arrange on a plate with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or orange juice.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad.
- Enjoy with a side of yogurt parfait.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies are too dry, add a few teaspoons of orange juice to the batter.
- If the cookies are too crumbly, add a few tablespoons of melted butter to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Make sure to use clean utensils and bowls when preparing the batter.

Food History:
Ladyfingers are a type of light, airy sponge cake that originated in Italy in the 16th century. They were originally made with just eggs and sugar, but over time other ingredients such as flour, orange zest, and almond extract were added to the recipe.

Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a light, sweet flavor with hints of orange and almond.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a meal.
- Enjoy as a snack with a cup of tea.

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Taste: Sweet, Citrusy, Nutty, Creamy, Fluffy