Hazelnut and Strawberry Friand

These are delicious served with a coffee. The friand originated in France and is now found in cafes the world over. This is an easy version, a traditional fraiand would include browned butter. This version can be made gluten free by using a gluten free flour blend and adding 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 185  g butter (not margarine)
• 1  cup hazelnut meal (you can grind hazelnuts until fine)
• 6  egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 1⁄2 cups  pure icing sugar also known as confectioners' sugar (not a blended sugar)
• 1⁄2 cup plain flour
• 100  g strawberries (can substitute with dried fruits)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C Grease a 12 cup friand pan tray (grease well). Can use muffin tins if you do not have a friand tray.
2. Combine butter, hazelmeal, egg whites, icing sugar and plain flour in a medium bowl. Stir until combined.
3. If using dried fruits, then blend them in with the above ingredients also.
4. Spoon into the friand pans and scatter with the fresh strawberry slices.
5. Bake for approx 30 minutes. Remove from oven and stand 5 minutes in the tray. Place on wire racks to cool.
6. Serve dusted with more icing sugar if desired.