Gentlemen Prefer Blondies

My husband switched groups at work and asked me if I could make something for him to take in to his new co-workers. I had a recipe I'd been wanting to try, so of course I was happy to oblige. I am always up for a brownie, but I wanted to change things up a bit with this delicious blondie, stuffed with vanilla chips and walnuts.

My husband had been introducing his co-workers to my blog so they were anticipating food from the cookie baker. When he brought in the container, eyes lit up, faces perked up, and the blondies vanished in a flash. He reported back that they were appreciated, and that I had one marriage proposal and one offer of adoption.

Since I already have a husband, and I think it's tacky to propose to someone via their own husband, I'll politely decline that offer. Also, I have a wonderful father, so, thank you, no, for the adoption offer.

You can see that having a recipe like this in your arsenal is a powerful weapon. If you want to know how to marry a millionaire, try baking him some of these. They may seem like misfits in a world dominated by brownies, but that makes them stand out. Seriously, even a prince would fall for a showgirl if she was hanging out at the bus stop holding a plate of these.

This is one of those bars that is addictive. My husband was happy to take them to work because if they'd stayed in our house he would have eaten the whole pan. You might find you make a habit of making these often, or just every seven years or so, when the itch strikes. It's just possible, too, that they might lead to a little monkey business, so be careful how you wield this great power!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondies

1 12 oz. bag vanilla chips (or white chocolate)
6 Tbsp butter
3 eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1-1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 375 deg. F. Line a 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper so that the ends of the paper extend over the edges of the pan. This will make it easy to remove the blondies from the pan. Make sure the corners are folded into place.

2. Set a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Place 3-1/2 oz. of the vanilla chips with the butter in the bowl and stir till melted. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Put the eggs and light brown sugar into a large bowl and whisk well, then whisk in the melted white chocolate mixture.

4. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl and gently fold in along with the chopped walnuts, vanilla extract and the remaining vanilla chips. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Spread the mixture out in the prepared pan and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until risen and golden brown. The center should be firm to the touch but will be slightly soft until it cools.

6. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack to cool. When the blondies are completely cool, use the parchment paper to carefully lift the whole thing from the pan and set it on a cutting board to slice it into bars.

Notes: I was not thinking when I grabbed a pan to make these and only realized after they'd baked that I'd used an 8 x 8-inch pan. They came out a little taller and a little gooier than the recipe intended, but still delicious. Also, for attractive, evenly sliced bars, be sure to wait till they're completely cool. But if you can't wait, I don't blame you. Some like it hot.

(If you're a Marilyn Monroe fan, tell me in your comment how many references you spotted. There might be a lame prize involved.)