Thursday, March 13, 2008

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.)


29 comments:

  1. I have made so many blondies over the last month. I think this recipe is next on my list. It is very different from the others I have tried.

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  2. Lynn, 3 words to say, dee-li-cios.
    I never knew blondies in that respect!

    ~Emily

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  3. cute recipe:
    and references to gentlemen prefer blondes, Bus Stop, How to Marry a Millionare, the Misfits, 7 year itch, Monkey Business, Prince and the Showgirl...

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  4. All the above mentioned by Rachel but also Some Like It Hot.
    Your husband sure knows how to climb the corporate stomach ladder.
    (Could you not work Niagara Falls into the post...it is a tricky one!)

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  5. I usually prefer brunettes, but these might make me change my mind!

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  6. as a brunette, I must admit, I wasn't going to admit that blondes can sometimes outfit the brownies, but these chunky bars look divine. One point blondes, 1/2 point brunettes :)

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  7. Ok--it's bad that I counted 9 references but even worse that I'm dying to make these. I just made a commitment to lose 20 lbs and somehow I doubt these will aid me! :) Oh well, we only live once right?? BLONDIES, here I come!

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  8. hey lynn
    very interesting and agree with rachel's counts.Nice, adorable and yes,,some like it hot....

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  9. That looks delicious! The combination of white chips and walnuts sounds delicious.

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  10. I have yet to bake for my husbands new group. He rides the bus and that makes it a tad more difficult to do.
    I will one of these days.
    These blondies look incredible.

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  11. Oh.. work would love these!! They are my ultimate test subjects! And everyonce in awhile they like something different.. I'm not a huge fan of white chocolate. Maybe I'll look for Vanilla Chip.

    Deborah- Do you know where to find Vanilla chips here??????

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  12. Lynn, it's like you read my mind! I've been wanting to make some of these for a while now, I loooove blondies, they taste like caramel, mmmmm, caramel... ;)

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  13. Those sound easy to make and look really good!

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  14. Wish we didn't have walnut allergies in the family! If I made these I would have to eat them all myself. Hmmm... maybe I'll make them after all. hehe

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  15. Love finding your blog. It is wonderful. I had to add you to my blog roll under cooking/food.
    Debbie aka The Real World Martha(S)

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  16. As much as I love brownies, (and it's a lot) I do enjoy a good blondie every now and then too. These look fantastic!

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  17. I made some blondies recently that I wasn't all that crazy about. These sound great- though we aren't nut fans so I might leave those out.

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  18. Lynn, if you say these are addictive, I totally believe you! They look awesome!

    -a blondie and proud of it

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  19. Lynn, these are fantastic! You probably won't believe me, but I haver never tried nor baked blondies. These are the way to start!

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  20. Oooh, don't they just look so gooey and delicious, just how a blondie should be.

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  21. These do look absolutely fabulous! Like Patricia, I've never baked blondies before but I'm definitely making these next week!

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  22. oh my goodness! i've got everything to make those and i don't think i can restrain myself. they look amazing!

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  23. What gorgeous blondies! And after having gotten a reaction like that, I'll be sure to keep 'em in mind next time I need a special dessert! :P

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  24. Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Smartphone, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://smartphone-brasil.blogspot.com. A hug.

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  25. Lynn, you are my hero! I was looking for a recipe of something extra special for our boys' teachers, and I find this treasure in your blog - I can't thank you enough! ;)

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  26. These look fantastically delicious. I'm marking it down to try it.

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  27. Oh yum!
    I've never made blondies before, but when I start I think this will have to be the recipe I try!

    I'm not an old movie trivia nut (though I like to watch them) so I couldn't make a guess at the Marilyn references. I'll just tag you for The Food Porn Meme instead. And what a post to do it on!

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  28. Yum....okay Marilyn Monroe there were 7 references to her movies....am I right? Oh well, the blondies look delicious and if I could reach through the computer screen I would be enjoying one right now!

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  29. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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