Chocolate Chunk Blondies ♥

"Home is where the sweets are" ♥

 

 

 

So true! I picked up this dish towel at a Santa's Workshop craft fair at my son's school today.  He picked out the reindeer face (which is really hot cocoa mix and marshmallows in a pastry bag!) Too cute, right? I guess we think alike.  We both went for chocolate! : )  

 

 

 

Speaking of sweets, I've had my fair share and more these past few weeks.  Truly, it's been a no-holds-barred-free-for-all-food-fest! Everywhere I turn there are goodies.  Candy, peppermint bark, chocolate covered something or other. I have no will power. Whether it be at home or at work, there is always something to snack on these days.  And if there isn't, I just make something myself. Even if it's ten o'clock at night....like last night. Yes, I did that.

 

 

 

 

Enter Tracy Shutterbean's Chocolate Chunk Blondies.  They were even more delicious than I had hoped for!  Kind of like a brownie, but more like a cookie.  It's the best of both worlds.  Perfect with a cup of coffee or a big glass of milk!  So Yummy! Perfect for gift giving.  Tracy wrapped hers individually in cute brown paper and put a sticker on them.  I may do that with the next batch ♥

 

 

Here is the recipe from Tracy's website. It's so easy.  You probably already have everything you need...

2 sticks unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour an 8x12 in baking dish. (FYI- your kitchen will smell amazing while these are baking!)

With an electric mixer cream the butter, brown sugar, and sugar on high speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.  With the mixer on low, add the vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time.  Mix well, remembering to scrap down the bowl.  In a small bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.  With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture.  Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips. 

Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.  Bake for 30 minutes. (Don't over bake - a toothpick may not come out clean)  Cool completely in the pan.  Cut into bars.  Enjoy!!!

We had a snow storm on Sunday and more snow is expected tomorrow.  The ground is icy and crunchy and it's so cold we are all bundled up like the little boy from A Christmas Story.  Which we watched the other night! Such a great movie! {Except now my son thinks he wants a BB Gun which is totally out of the question!} All of the classics have been on rotation on our TV - So far we've watched Rudolph, The Santa Clause, Elf, Home Alone, & Jack Frost.  I also watched Fred Clause for the first time ever.  It was so funny! I have added it to my list of holiday favorites : )

Only one more week to go.  Are you ready? I still have some wrapping to do.  I save the wrapping for the end because it's my favorite part. All the hard work is done and Mrs. Clause is happy! (no more crowed stores!!!)

Plus I can wrap while watching my favorite shows and drink hot chocolate.  I always end up staying up very late at night and I don't mind at all. Last year I had the flu on Christmas, so I'm feeling like this year has been a breeze so far! I'm happy to be healthy : )

I've also been thinking about the New Year. Aside from losing a few "holiday pounds" I've started listing some goals.  I love starting the year fresh, with a clean slate.  My list is long this year, and I will be sharing it with all of you soon. This is the year I will turn 40!!! eeeek!  I plan to do a lot more blogging in the new year.  I have lots of things in store for you. I hope you will join me! xo

 
Ho-Ho-Ho.....!