Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the delightful world of French pastry? Today, we're tackling a classic that's both sophisticated and surprisingly simple to make: the pistachio almond financier. These little cakes are packed with nutty flavor, have a wonderful, moist crumb, and are just perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. So, let's get baking!

What are Financiers?

Before we get into the recipe, let's talk a bit about what financiers actually are. Originating in the financial district of Paris, these small cakes were supposedly created to be easily eaten by busy bankers without getting their hands dirty. How cool is that? Traditionally, they are made with brown butter (beurre noisette), almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. The brown butter gives them a nutty, caramel-like flavor that's just irresistible. The almond flour contributes to their moist and tender texture, making them a true delight with every bite.

Financiers are typically baked in rectangular molds, resembling gold bars, which is another nod to their financial origins. However, you can use any small molds you like – muffin tins, mini loaf pans, or even silicone molds. The most important thing is to make sure they're well-greased so the financiers release easily. What sets financiers apart from other cakes is their unique combination of ingredients and the specific way they're prepared, resulting in a delicate balance of flavors and textures that is hard to resist. The process of browning the butter is a key element, as it imparts a depth of flavor that is essential to the characteristic taste of these small, yet delicious cakes.

Why Pistachio and Almond?

Now, why pistachio and almond? Well, the combination is just magical. Almonds provide that classic financier base, while pistachios add a vibrant green color and a distinct nutty flavor that complements the brown butter beautifully. Plus, the slight saltiness of pistachios balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Using high-quality ingredients, such as finely ground almond flour and shelled pistachios, will elevate the flavor and texture of the financiers. Roasting the pistachios lightly before grinding them can enhance their nutty aroma, adding another layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile. Experimenting with different ratios of almond and pistachio flour can also yield interesting results, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your personal preferences.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. Here's what you'll need for these delicious pistachio almond financiers:

• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter
• 75g (2.6 oz) almond flour
• 25g (0.9 oz) pistachio flour (or finely ground pistachios)
• 120g (4.2 oz) powdered sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Chopped pistachios for garnish

Make sure your ingredients are fresh and of good quality. The better the ingredients, the better your financiers will taste. Almond flour should be finely ground to ensure a smooth batter, and the pistachios should be shelled and unsalted for optimal flavor control. You can find pistachio flour at some specialty stores, or you can easily make your own by grinding shelled pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. Be careful not to over-process them, as they can turn into pistachio butter. Using a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients accurately is highly recommended, as it ensures consistent results and the perfect balance of flavors in your financiers.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Okay, let's get to the fun part – baking! Follow these steps, and you'll have beautiful, flavorful financiers in no time.

Step 1: Brown the Butter

This is the most important step! Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt completely, then continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly. Once it's browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Browning the butter is a crucial step in making financiers because it imparts a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of these little cakes. As the butter melts and cooks, the milk solids separate and begin to brown, releasing a complex aroma that elevates the overall taste of the financiers. It's important to monitor the butter closely during this process to prevent it from burning, as burnt butter can have a bitter taste. The ideal color is a deep golden brown, and the aroma should be reminiscent of toasted nuts. Once the butter is browned, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, ensuring a smooth and even texture in the final product.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, pistachio flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent texture and flavor throughout the financiers. Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar before whisking them together can also help to remove any lumps, ensuring a smoother batter. The salt enhances the sweetness of the cake and balances the nutty flavors of the almond and pistachio.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry

Add the slightly cooled brown butter to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough financier. Overmixing can lead to a dense and chewy texture, which is not desirable in financiers. The goal is to mix the ingredients until they are just combined, creating a light and airy batter that will result in a tender and delicate cake. Using a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together can help to prevent overmixing and ensure a smooth and even batter.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Almond Extract

In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites until they are frothy. Then, add them to the batter along with the almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg whites provide structure to the financiers, while the almond extract enhances the nutty flavors of the almond and pistachio. Using fresh egg whites at room temperature can help to create a lighter and airier texture in the financiers. Beating the egg whites lightly before adding them to the batter ensures that they are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent rise and texture.

Step 5: Fill the Molds

Grease your financier molds (or muffin tin) generously with butter. Fill each mold about 3/4 full with the batter. If you're using chopped pistachios for garnish, sprinkle them on top of the batter before baking. Properly greasing the molds is essential to prevent the financiers from sticking and ensure that they release easily after baking. You can also dust the molds with flour or almond flour for extra insurance. Filling the molds about 3/4 full allows the financiers to rise properly without overflowing. The chopped pistachios add a beautiful visual appeal and enhance the nutty flavor of the financiers.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on the size and shape of your molds, so it's important to keep a close eye on the financiers as they bake. The edges should be golden brown and slightly crispy, while the center should be moist and tender. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the financiers cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These are best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. Allowing the financiers to cool in the molds for a few minutes helps them to set and prevents them from breaking when you transfer them to a wire rack. Once they are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Tips for Perfect Financiers

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your financiers turn out perfectly every time:

• Use a kitchen scale: Accuracy is key in baking, so use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough financiers. Mix until just combined.
• Brown the butter properly: This is where the flavor comes from, so don't skip this step!
• Grease your molds well: Nobody wants a financier that sticks to the pan.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other nuts, chocolate chips, or even a bit of citrus zest to your financiers.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Chocolate Financiers: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Lemon Financiers: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter.
• Hazelnut Financiers: Replace the almond flour with hazelnut flour.

Serving Suggestions

Financiers are amazing on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your serving:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple yet elegant recipe for pistachio almond financiers. These little cakes are perfect for impressing your friends and family, or just for treating yourself to a little bit of French luxury. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some delicious financiers. Happy baking, guys!