Blondie

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest,

Every year on January 22 we celebrate National Blonde Brownie Day.  Well actually this is my first year to celebrate it because I never knew of it before.  A blonde brownie is like a chocolate brownie, only it has a brown sugar or butterscotch flavor instead of the traditional chocolate.

(Google Image)  

I had my first Blonde Brownie or Blondie as it is sometimes called, a few years ago at a local restaurant.  I had never heard of them before, so was a little unsure about ordering one, however there is not a lot of sweets that I don't like, so I decided to just dive right in.  It was delicious.  A light brown dense cake like dessert that had chocolate chips and nuts, it was warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a ribbon of chocolate syrup covered the dessert.  It tasted like a thick cake like chocolate chip cookie.

(Google Image)

Nobody knows who started this National day, or why, however I have no complaints!  I am included the recipe for Applebee's blonde brownie, and if you have the time, try baking some for yourself.  If not, stop by Applebee’s or any other restaurant that serves them and indulge yourself on this delectable treat.

Applebee's Blonde Brownie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sifted flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup butter or 1/3 cup margarine
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Sauce

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract or 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring

Directions:

1. Brownies: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add nuts, mix well, and set aside.
3. Melt butter, add brown sugar, and mix well.
4. Add egg and vanilla and mix well.
5. Gradually combine with flour mixture, mixing well.
6. Stir in white chocolate chips.
7. Pour into a 9-inch square pan and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Sauce: 

1. Combine syrup and butter, cook over low heat until butter is melted.
2. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved and remove from heat.
3. Beat in cream cheese and maple extract until smooth.
4. Heat again in the microwave until it reaches desired consistency.