FIG FRIANDS

These are beautiful little cakes to make during fresh fig season.

Makes 12

YOU WILL NEED:

5 egg whites

¾ cup almond meal

1½ cups icing sugar

¾ cup plain flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

125g butter, melted

½ cup chopped fresh figs + 12 slices for garnish

2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios

WHAT TO DO:

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease twelve oval friend tins.

In a bowl, lightly beat the white egg whites, then add almond meal, icing sugar, flour, baking powder and melted butter and whisk until combined.

Fold through the chopped figs and spoon the mixture into 12 holes of the friend tin.

Place a thin fig slice on each and sprinkle with the chopped pistachios and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the friands are golden and cooked through.

Remove from oven and remove the friands from the tins immediately, using a small knife to loosen them around the edges.

Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.