Step 1

Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a 12-hole friand pan.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine icing sugar, almond meal, flour, poppy seeds and zest. Mix in butter, stirring gently, until just combined.

Step 3

In a clean bowl, lightly whisk egg-whites until frothy. Fold through almond mixture. Divide mixture evenly between friand recesses. Bake 20-25 minutes, until cooked when tested.

Step 4

To make syrup: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Stir over a low heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, without stirring, 4-5 minutes, until reduced slightly.

Step 5

Pierce each hot friand in several places with a wooden skewer. Slowly pour over warm syrup, allowing to soak into friands. Serve warm.