Summer Blondies

As much as we love those fresh summer treats, there is just something about brownies that we need to indulge in all year round...and this blondie recipe makes us feel like that is totally acceptable. Full of white chocolatey goodness on the inside and the perfect brownie crumble crust this treat is perfect for those pool day lounges that require an extra dose of sweet indulgence. 

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking power

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1" pieces

500 g white chocolate, chopped and divided

3 eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and grease and flour an 8"x8" baking pan

2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking power, and salt; set aside.

3. In a small saucepan over low heat, slowly melt the butter and 140g of the chopped chocolate, whisking constantly. Heat until the butter and chocolate are just melted; remove from the heat and set aside.

4. In a large bowl, or in the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk together the eggs, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add the chocolate mixture and beat until everything is combined.

5. With the mixer running on low, slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, 1/4 cup at a time,  until everything is fully incorporated.

6. Gently fold in the remaining chopped chocolate and spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the blondies are firm on top.

7. Remove the blondies from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting. Dust with icing sugar, if desired.

(Recipe from the July 2013 issue of Canada's Style At Home)