Chocolate Chip Blondies

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 13×9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

Sift flour and measure 2 cups. Combine with baking powder, baking soda and salt. Sift again. Sprinkle about ¼ cup sifted flour mixture over pecans, stir to coat. Set aside.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped

2/3 cup butter, melted

2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

 

Whisk together hot melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Cool slightly and whisk in eggs and vanilla. Gradually whisk in sifted dry ingredients, a little at a time, until well-blended. Fold in floured nuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Spread chocolate chips over batter, pressing slightly to bury chips into the batter.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until tester ed comes out clean. Cool completely in pan before cutting.

Makes 24 pieces.

Serving Suggestion:

Omit chocolate chip topping and coat each bar with mint-flavored melted white chocolate. Serve with mint ice cream or fresh berries.