Recipe: Almond Blondie Bars (with chocolate chunks)

ALMOND BLONDIE BARS

1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup roughly chopped milk chocolate pieces
1/3 cup roughly chopped dark chocolate pieces
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted and lightly chopped*

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl combine the sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla and mix thoroughly.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt and mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture a little at a time.

Add the chocolate pieces and almonds to the dough and mix to incorporate. Press the dough into a greased 13-by-9-inch pan.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool, trim edges, cut into 24 bars and slice each bar in half.

*To toast nuts, spread on baking sheet and bake in 375 degree F oven for 5 to 8 minutes or until brown.

Makes 48 bars
Source: FOODday, June 20, 2006