My bud, Chef Cathy Thomas of Orange County, CA (link here), had posted on her website a marvelous, yummy looking dessert called “Florentine Bars”. They are a creation of one of her culinary associates, Chef Wonyee Tom, who serves them up by the dozens at her establishment in Huntington Beach, CA called “Tomgirl Baking Co.”
The topping of dried cranberries and apricots plus sliced almonds in a cream and honey based homemade caramel mixture rests upon a wonderful buttery crust… and like all of Chef Cathy’s recipes, the recipe was detailed and easy to follow.
Even I could follow them!
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To make these, the ingredients are listed below but if you home chefs want to throw together this easy recipe, I’d encourage you to visit her webpage; there’s even a video! (You know how men are visually minded.)
Video link: http://cathythomascooks.com/2016/02/01/tomgirl-baking-companys-florentine-bar-cookies-are-unsurpassed/
The ingredients are:
Sweet dough crust:
1 stick (4 ounces) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (3 ounces) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1-1/3 cups plus 2 tablespoons (7 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour for dusting parchment paper
Topping:
1-1/2 cups (5 ounces) sliced almonds (not toasted)
1/3 cup (1 ounce) diced dried apricots
1 cup (2 ounces) coarsely chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup (1 ounce) all-purpose flour
3-1/2 ounces (7 tablespoons) butter, room temperature
3/4 cup (5 ounces) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) honey
1/4 cup (2 ounces) heavy whipping cream
Nonstick spray
Here are some steps I managed to take cellphone pics of:
Voila! Great with coffee…or anytime!
And as testament to the deliciousness, I had made it for the teachers and staff appreciation luncheon last Friday – and they asked my daughter for the recipe!
Of course, I texted her the proper link to Cathy Thomas’ website. You should check it out, too, and get on her email distribution!
Happy baking!
Masako and Spam Musubi 
Curse that diet!!
mmm and mmmm
the final bars look like the brand “Kind” bars – which I had last winter as one of the best treats ever – and I know that is a pretty big statement – but was shocked at how good the ones we had were…
anyhow, the recipe is all natural and does look easy -and fresh! thanks for sharing this – 🙂
My mouth is watering!!
You should add this our list Koji. 🙂
They look Fabulous!
Looks easy enough for even me to make them!! Thanks, Koji.
Glad to catch another of your yummy recipes, Koji. And then you have to add the visual appeal, as you always do. I’m just glad that the geek world hasn’t figured out how to add the smell yet! –Curt
Yummmmm! Those look so delicious.
I’m sold. I need to find 20 people who’d love to have what I don’t eat. Or I’ll eat the entire batch!
☺ I think ten would suffice! LOL It is really yummy and fun to make.
I think ten would do, Jacqui! 😉