Florentines

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup margarine or butter
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup toasted almonds, chopped
• 3/4 cup diced mixed candied fruits and peels, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan combine the 1/3 cup margarine or butter, the milk, and sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in almonds, candied fruits and peels, and orange peel. Stir in flour.
2. Drop by level tablespoons at least 3 inches apart onto a greased and floured cookie sheet. (Grease and flour cookie sheet for each batch.) Using the back of a spoon, spread the batter into 3-inch circles. Bake in a 350° oven for 8 to 10 minutes or till edges are lightly browned. Cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute, then carefully transfer to waxed paper. Cool thoroughly.
3. In a small heavy saucepan heat chocolate pieces and the 2 tablespoons margarine over low heat till melted, stirring occasionally. Spread a scant teaspoon of the chocolate mixture evenly over the bottom of each cookie. When chocolate is almost set, draw wavy lines through it with the tines of a fork. Cover and store cookies in the refrigerator.