What are Friands? EXCELLENT! How's that for an answer? In fact, one of the most fantastic baked treats I have ever eaten in fact.Plus, I am no longer a Friand OR silicone bakeware virgin any longer. I feel liberated. I feel free. I feel like making another batch !
First, about the bakeware. This is my first experience using silicone bakeware. I purchased my silicone muffin cups solely for the purpose of making Friands. Having read about Friands for awhile now I simply couldn't resist making them any longer. So out I went last night in search of some silicone pans as you need this type of flexible bakeware to ensure the easy removable of these delicate cakes. I couldn't find any snazzy molds other than muffin pans but they worked out incredibly well regardless.
Now, on to the Friands. Friands are small, moist (and I mean MOIST) cakes made with almond meal, lots of egg whites and some flour. While delicate and delicious on its own, the Friand can also be flavored with fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, lemon or orange. I like to use fresh fruit in all my baking but you can substitute frozen as well but don't thaw first.
After my first bite I was hooked. In fact, I said to hubby, "This is a prime example of why I bake. It is like tasting nirvana." And it is. Sheer bliss.
I had one, then two. Then another with a glorious cup of dark roast coffee. I intend to have another later this evening to finish off the week with a big smile on my face.
If you want to experience nirvana too then let's get baking!
RECIPE:
*source recipe: Almond, Vanilla and Raspberry Friands, Little Cafe Cakes
WHAT YOU NEED
175g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup (100g) ground almonds
6 egg whites, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (210g) confectioner's (icing) sugar, sifted
1/2 cup (70g) all purpose flour, sifted
1 cup fresh raspberries
MAKE IT
PREHEAT oven to 375F
SPRAY 2 silicone muffin pans with cooking spray (1o muffin cups are enough)
PLACE muffin pans on cookie sheet(s)
IN LARGE BOWL, fold all ingredients together until combined
WITH ICE CREAM SCOOP, fill each muffin cup 1/2 full with batter
BAKE 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
LET COOL in pans 5 minutes
TO REMOVE, with your thumb press up the bottom of each muffin cup to raise up the Friands
PLACE Friands on cooling rack to cool completely
LOVELY eaten as-is or with a dollop of freshed whipped cream.
Wow, they sound great! Absolutely lovin' that last pic! Happy Weekend:@)
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend right back at ya :)
ReplyDeleteSounds a preacher's muffin. But the looks seems enticing, I would love to try it.
ReplyDeleteThese do look delicious! They wouldn't last long around me either. It's so exciting to try something new and then it becomes part of your life forever! Thanks for sharing on Sweet Indulgences Sunday.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of friands before but I do have some silicon bakeware that hasn't been used yet! So now I have a perfect reason =)
ReplyDeleteHey! Just wanted to let you know that I featured this on Savory Sunday this week :)
ReplyDeleteThese look wonderful and delicious. I've never try a friands before and certainly don't know what I'm missing. Your description of these wonderful goodness is enough for me to get out there and shop for some silicone pans and bake some of these beauties!
ReplyDeleteThese look fabulous! Please share by linking your recipe up at Muffin (and Cupcake) Monday. Thanks!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.talkingdollarsandcents.net/muffin-monday-breakfast-muffins