Tools of the Trade: Tile/Icing Comb

 

To create the impressive wave pattern on the florentine cookies, Thomas Keller uses a tile comb (if purchased from a hardware store) or if you'd prefer a baking-specific tool, it is referred to as an icing or decorating comb. Note, for this recipe you need a comb that has a rectangle edge, not triangle.

This is an inexpensive tool and worth having for more than just the cookie recipe. Cake decorators use it to smooth out buttercream or create patterns on the sides of their cakes. 

1. Sur la Table- Union Square location, online, Amazon I purchased this Ateco metal version from Sur la Table. Ateco also makes a plastic version but after doing some research, found that the metal version will give a cleaner look particularly on cakes.
   
   
2. Lowes (thanks Leticia)- surprisingly a hardware store is one of the best places to get baking equipment. Leticia found this tile comb at a bargain for $2.

Tools of the Trade: Orange Peel

The florentine cookies ask for candied orange peel. There is a recipe in the book which is a bit involved so I went on a search in the city to look for them. If you are looking in your area, I'd check gourmet shops or Italian markets where candied orange is commonly used in panettone.

1. Mollie Stones- Pacific Heights location (featured in the above photo)
   8 oz for $5  
2. Whole Foods- Noe Valley location (thanks Tania!)

Substitutions:

1. Boulettes Larder, Ferry Building
   As of winter 2013 they have candied Meyer lemon that you can purchase by the ounce. I'm sure they'd do candied orange at some point as well.

Florentines

After a short foray into canine treats, this week we're back to baking for people again. Florentines are a French confection, although their name would suggest otherwise. These cookies were named after the city of Florence, though their origin is most likely from France, as you can find them in most French bakeries.

TK's version deviates slightly from the traditional, adding a layer of tart dough to add stability and flavor. We all agreed it was a wonderful addition. Overall, our bakers found these cookies to be easy to make, once all the various components were ready to assemble. A bit time consuming, maybe, but definitely worth the effort.