Recipe

Walnut Sage Financiers

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by James Ransom

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by sugarmountaintreats

This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Walnuts & Sage
laurenewe's Testing Notes: In this classic financier batter, walnuts stand in for almonds and make a strong case for diversity in nuts, while sage adds an unexpected and sophisticated touch. Do keep a close eye on the...
In this classic financier batter, walnuts stand in for almonds and make a strong case for diversity in nuts, while sage adds an unexpected and sophisticated touch. Do keep a close eye on the butter as it browns, it's the key to the rich, nutty flavor you expect in a financier.

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Chef
sugarmountaintreats's Notes: Why should almonds get to have all the fun? Walnut financiers are just as easy, tender, and delicious. And since brown butter is an integral part of the financier process, it's simple to throw...
Why should almonds get to have all the fun? Walnut financiers are just as easy, tender, and delicious. And since brown butter is an integral part of the financier process, it's simple to throw in a handful of sage leaves to infuse the butter and then use them as a pretty garnish.

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Makes 12

10 tablespoons unsalted butter Ask a question about this ingredient

12 small sage leaves Ask a question about this ingredient

3/4 cups finely ground walnuts Ask a question about this ingredient

2/3 cups all-purpose flour Ask a question about this ingredient

1/3 cup grade B maple syrup Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 cup powdered sugar Ask a question about this ingredient

5 egg whites Ask a question about this ingredient

Preheat oven to 400 F. Generously butter 12 financier tins or a 12-cup muffin pan.
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In a dry frying pan, toast the ground walnuts until fragrant and lightly colored (you can also toast the walnuts before grinding, if you prefer). Do not allow to burn. Set aside in a small bowl and wipe out the frying pan.
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Cut the butter into five large pieces and add to the frying pan. Melt over medium heat. When the butter starts to boil, add the sage leaves. Keep a close watch on the pan and remove from the heat when the butter is fragrant and nutty-smelling, with small brown flecks, and the sage leaves are crisp. Pour into a medium bowl. For a perfectly smooth texture, strain the butter; otherwise, just fish out the sage leaves to use later as a garnish.
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Add the walnuts, flour, maple syrup, and powdered sugar to the butter and whisk thoroughly. Add the egg whites and whisk some more, until the mixture is completely smooth. It should be pourable. Pour the batter into the prepared tins and press a sage leaf onto the top of each.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are bouncy (if you're using a muffin tin, it might take a few minutes longer). Turn off the oven and leave the financiers in to dry for 5 more minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for five minutes, then unmold and serve.
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Financiers will keep, in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to three days. I think they're even better the next day, when the texture is a bit denser.
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