I'm loving spring.
It's probably the only season I consider to be so full of hope - I'm loving how green everything has turned, the expectations of summer and the dreams of beach holidays.
What I'm loving most, however, is the light.
In last week's post I used the first images of food I've ever taken outside, and I had to follow that with more sunlit images - happy & warm - perfect for the mood I'm trying to convey on this blog. I wish it could be like this all year round.
For this week's post I thought I'd make one of my favourite pastries: financiers. They're so easy to make, and so versatile when it comes to ingredients, I can't wait to make them again soon with different fruit and nut combinations. I especially love them when they're dusted with loads of icing sugar.
I also have some very exciting news this week as I just found out I was nominated in the 'Awesomest Food Blog' category over at I Am Mommy. It's such an honour to be nominated especially as I'm in the company of such awesome food bloggers! You can vote for your favourite blog HERE.
A big THANK YOU to all of you that sent me invitations last week to photograph your weddings. I am very grateful and hope I can do your weddings justice. I think I'm going to be a very busy boy this year.
Blueberry Macadamia Fincanciers Recipe (printable version)
50g ground almonds
50g ground macadamia nuts
250g icing sugar
75g flour
7 egg whites
125g butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
250g blueberries
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a financier tray.
2. Mix the almonds, macadamia nuts, icing sugar and flour in a large bowl.
3. Add the egg whites and mix until just combined.
4. Add the melted butter slowly until it is all incorporated.
5. Place batter in a piping bag and pipe into the financier tray and add a few blueberries to each financier.
6. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the financiers are slightly brown around the edges.
Tips:
- Melt the butter to the point of gentle browning. This gives the financiers their specific taste.
- Refrigerating the batter overnight before piping ensures proper leavening and allows the financiers to maintain their shape.
- Try this recipe by mixing and matching different fruit and nut combinations.
- Try dusting with a good, thick layer of icing sugar for the extra sweet-toothed.
- Serve as an accompaniment to ice cream.
