Recipe: Toffee Blondies in a Jar (gift mix)

TOFFEE BLONDIES IN A JAR

"This gift from the kitchen looks nice layered in a glass or clear plastic container. Assemble an extra one for yourself as a make-ahead treat."

FOR THE BLONDIE MIX:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup toffee pieces or butterscotch-flavored pieces

FOR BAKING THE BLONDIES:
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

TO PREPARE THE BLONDIE MIX:
Layer in a 1-quart glass jar or canister the following ingredients: brown sugar, chocolate pieces, flour, baking powder, salt, pecans and toffee pieces. Tap jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next layer. Cover the jar.

Store the layered jar of cookie ingredients at room temperature for up to 1 month. Or, attach baking directions and give as a gift.

BAKING DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8x2-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, stir together the butter, eggs and vanilla. Stir in contents of jar until combined. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bars are set and golden brown and the edges just begin to pull away from pan. Cool the blondies in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Makes 16 bars
Source: Midwest Living Magazine, November-December 2006