Benefits of Hazelnut
Lowering cholesterol
Eating hazelnuts may help reduce cholesterol. A 2013 study found that a hazelnut-rich diet decreased participants’ levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This type of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart problems.
The researchers concluded that the best way to reap hazelnuts’ health benefits was to eat them every day, without increasing a person’s overall calorie intake. Results of a 2016 review likewise indicated that hazelnuts could reduce levels of harmful cholesterol. The researchers also noted no increase in participants’ body weight. This may alleviate some concerns that eating calorie-dense nuts could lead to weight gain.
Reducing inflammation
Eating hazelnuts may help to ease inflammation. A 2013 study found that eating a hazelnut-rich diet reduced signs of inflammation among participants.
However, another study found the change in inflammatory markers after eating hazelnuts to be insignificant.
Conclusively determining hazelnuts’ effect on inflammation will require further research.
History Florentine
Florentine (florentins), the crunchy almond cookies with a chocolate base, are said to have been introduced to France during the reign of King Louis XII (1462-1515).
King Louis’s second wife was Anne, Duchess of Brittany (1477-1514). A master pastry chef who had worked for the Medici family in Florence came to visit the couple in Brittany and brought with him the recipe for these tasty treats. They were a hit with the duchess, and so began their popularity in France. Today, Florentine is considered a speciality of Brittany, however many regional variations exist.
Florentines are traditionally made with honey, almonds, orange rind or candied fruit, and chocolate. The recipe below uses cream and sugar instead of honey, resulting in a cookie that is a little less sweet and not sticky.
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