Prep: 1 hour + chilling | Bake: 20 mins + chilling | Makes: 8 dozen
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose
Filling
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup honey
4 cups sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups red and / or green candied cherries
3/4 cup dried currants
Garnish
1 1/4 lbs. white candy coating
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Gradually add flour and mix well. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
- Roll dough into an un-greased 15x10x1″ baking pan. Bake at 375°F for 7-9 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, butter and honey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reads 246°F (firm ball stage). Remove from the heat; stir in the almonds, cherries and currants. Spread evenly into crust.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or just until filling is set. Cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate overnight.
- Remove florentine from pan. With a sharp knife, trim edges of crust; discard the trim. Cut lengthwise into six strips; cut each strip into 16 triangles.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip the short side of each triangle into candy coating; place on waxed paper. Drizzle with additional candy coating. Let stand until set. Cover and store in the refrigerator.