Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Strawberry Love Heart Friand























It may have been more than a month since my last recipe post, but this one is quite worth the wait. Introducing the Friand, a dainty little cake that's as synonymous with Australian cafe culture as the latte and yo-yo (see previous post). In fact, they're so common here that the swanky hipster cafes don't even stock them. For those who are unfamiliar, what makes these little cakes unique is their large almond-meal to flour ratio.

Friands originated from french cuisine and are also known as financier. These tiny cakes are light, moist and beautiful in their simplicity. I also like to think that they are moderately healthy given their composition of almond-meal and egg whites (although the addition of butter and sugar will inevitably cancel out that last statement). They are typically found in a assortment of berry and citrus flavours or sometimes simply plain.

I've had this idea of cutting love hearts out of strawberries ever since I was forced to get creative with feeding my toddler (oh, the joys of motherhood). Since friands also happen to be my mum's favourite treat, I thought, what better way to show love and appreciation than to embed little love hearts in them for her.






Strawberry Love Heart Friand

Ingredients
150g icing sugar
190g butter
60g plain flour
120g almond meal
5 egg whites
6 strawberries
Zest of one lemon

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Grease pan and lightly dust with flour. 
2. Separate egg yolks and whites. Lightly froth egg whites 
3. Heat butter on stove top over medium heat, let it bubble away till golden brown. Remove and keep warm. 
4. While butter is bubbling away, zest one lemon and add to egg white.
5. Sift icing sugar and flour into a bowl then add in almond meal.
6. Make a well, gradually stir in the egg whites and heated butter. Combine till smooth.
7. Fill each friand till two thirds full. Insert strawberry halves or fruit of choice. Another alternative is to puree fruit and mix into batter. 
8. Bake for 15 minutes until golden. Insert skewer to check if it comes out clean. 
9. Cool on a wire rack, dust with icing before serving.

*Recipe yields 12
*Any bar or loaf type pans can be used. Traditionally friands were known as little gold bars, but nowadays they come in all shapes and sizes. Best to stay away from any mould larger than a cupcake.
*Passionfruit, blueberry and nuts are all popular additions. 

Don't forget my Madamoiselle Felee giveaway is still going on. It's open to international readers and ends Monday 24th September. Click here for more details. 

38 comments:

Amy said...

these look amazing! fabulous job!

amy
Leopard and Lillies

Haruhiism said...

so pretty. amazing job!

http://haruhiism00.blogspot.com

Rachel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joanna said...

It looks so delicious and cute!<3

Alyssa said...

This have to be some of the most adorable things I've ever seen. They look so yummy--and I love the heart! I can't wait to try them out.

-Alyssa
The Glossy Life

Always Maylee said...

These are the cutest things ever. They might be too cute to eat! Just kidding, I'll still eat it. :)

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Cravingforbarneys said...

I love this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing!

http://cravingforbarneys.com

The Dragonfruit said...

Mmmm, not only do they sound/look delicious, they're adorable! I love this recipe :)

Enter to win a $40 voucher to InDressMe!
Trendy Teal

Eimear O'Reilly Stylist said...

god these look gorgeous. x

Pearl in Fashion said...

Jummmy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Hi! I was looking at your blog and I like it so much!
Can we maybe follow each other? Let me know dear <3

pearlinfashion.blogspot.com

Gilochka said...

Hi!
very cute!
If you want we can follow each other. Become my follower and always going back!
http://lengilochka.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

so yummy!) i like your blog)
maybe follow each other, sweetie?

http://matr0sha.blogspot.com/

Elise Mooijman said...

This looks so cute and yummy <3 Usually I just look at recipes, water tooth and never make them but I think I'm actually gonna try out this one!

Mooij

Anonymous said...

Beautifully prepared and presented! I have never tried one of these but would love to!


LUXESSED

Rowan | R E D R E I D I N G H O O D said...

OMG, thanks for sharing this recipe! I've got to try this!

Love,

Rowan

www.redreidinghood.com

FASHION TALES said...

They look so pretty! Thanks for sharing! xo

audrinajulia said...

Looks yummy and you made such a great presentation! I love the heart thing, looks like it's enjoyable to do.:)

audrinajulia.blogspot.com

Josephine said...

These look so delicious! I might have to try my hand at making them :) Love! Thanks for the comment on my blog!

<3 Josephine
www.champagnestar.com

S said...

Thanks a lot for sharing the love heart cake recipe ! I must say , your food photography is awesome, just looking at the pictures makes me want to eat these cakes right now. I also like the addition of strawberries in the middle, which resembles the shape of a heart.
have a lovely day !

Meera said...

These pictures are amazing - the treats look delicious! The recipe looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!

xoxo, Meera

bahama-mamma said...

looks soo delicious! im hungryy :D lovely blog, im your new follower! would you like to follow me back? ;)

Unknown said...

Love your cookies ♥

Would you like to marry me? :) I'm koking :))) Would u like to follow each other?

Kisses,

Nicoleta

www.nicoleta.me

REINVENT YOURSELF

Elisabeth said...

AMAZING!!!
I really love it !
I'll try it (:

xx from
http://heelsandroses.blogspot.com.es/

Amy Shaughnessy said...

Never heard of these. They look so cute with the strawberry heart. That would be the perfect brunch item!

Amy


Fashion and Beauty Finds

wendeelee said...

i love friands! love it!

Diana said...

it looks delicious! Great blog, so I'm a new follower =)

Unknown said...

Try to follow again, love. Cos you aren't on my gfc panel yet!

xx

www.nicoleta.me

Kat said...

omg this is ammmmmmazing! I am following you now and looking forward to more yummy recipes!!


Xo
Kat
http://XoPhotographyByKat.blogspot.com

Chocolate Cookies & Candies said...

Goodness, Jenee, the photos and descriptions are impressive. I bet you've spend quite a few hours painstakingly photograph everything and then editing AND writing! Lately, I've found myself to be mildly gluten intolerant so I'm going to try your recipe.

Stephanie said...

this looks delicious! dies, i wish i had to the time to make this. definitely bookmarked for the next break =)

Unknown said...

wow......delicious!!
Would you like to follow each other?! :)

http://estilohedonico.blogspot.pt/

xoxo

Unknown said...

These look delicious...and so fancy! Yum!

www.daisyraeboutique.com
www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com

Anita said...

These look amazing! I must try them one day :P Thanks for sharing.

Rachel @ Making Life Fabulous said...

These look yummy, and so pretty! I pinned it to make someday :)

c said...

awesome recipe!
<3

Unknown said...

Hi Love,

Thank you for your so sweet comment :)

You have a new follower :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kisses,

www.nicoleta.me

Giovanna said...

Yum! Those look delish! Definitely need to try them out!

xx
Giovanna
www.oliveandanarrow.com

Gaby de Modacapital said...

Those Looks delicious! :P

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