Kirstie Allsopp was the brand ambassador for Nestlé Carnation® and during her tenure, she showed this rather special little ingredient's versatility in cooking. Here she shares a recipe that works at any time of the year.

Nothing says how much you care than a homemade present - and these florentines are so quick and easy. Make them look really professional with a cellophane bag and some ribbon.

We prefer to make these fairly small so you're more likely to get at least twenty-four from the ingredients below.

Makes 12 biscuits
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

25g (1oz) butter
25g (1oz) light brown soft sugar
100g (3½oz) Carnation Condensed Milk
2tsp plain flour
150g (5½oz) mixed dried fruit and nuts such as apricots, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, toasted flaked almonds, desiccated coconut etc.
85g (3oz) dark chocolate

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180C, (160C for fan ovens) or Gas Mark 4.

2. Melt the butter and sugar in a non-stick saucepan stirring until combined.

3. Add the condensed milk and heat until just bubbling.

4. Stir in the plain flour and mix until smooth.

5. Stir in the dried fruit and nuts.

6. Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment lined baking sheets and bake for about 12 minutes until turning golden brown at the edges.

7. Leave to cool on the tray.

8. When cool, melt the chocolate and spread a small amount on the flat side of the florentine then drag a fork through the chocolate to make wavy lines.

For more recipes and ideas, visit www.carnation.co.uk.

Updated April 2024