Trail Mix Blondies

 

I'm certainly glad that I have my cooking/baking itch back. I felt kind of lost before. I hate when life gets so busy sometimes you feel like it is not even your life. Like you are really just going through the motions. You have to pinch yourself to see if it's a dream. 

Oy! I'm feeling a bit better these days. I was a little jaded I think. Did Steven Tyler write a song about being jaded. Pretty sure he did. 

Anyway, we don't need to talk about him let's talk about something else. What's your favorite thing about the onset of summer?

Mine is usually the smell of fresh cut grass and outdoor grills. But that is just the smell of it. The site of the beach after a 3 1/2 hour drive. Ode to Joy! Or hearing the crack of a bat in a distant ball field.

All these things make me think and fell and love summer. I am also a big fan of picnics. But not like big ones. The ones where it is just a few friends. On a blanket in a park, or waterfront with a few things wrapped in a basket or backpack. And you sit and you share stories and a few glasses of wine and it's just perfect. It's summer. And you love it. 

I think these little blondies would make an excellent addition to any picnic. 

Everyone likes a tasty sweet. Even if they say they really don't like sweets (Secret: they do). 

I am going to try and express myself through a wonderful urban summery day, I am going to brunch with a close friend and wear a long summery dress, I am taking my bike in for a quick tune up, I am going to a craft fair...It's just going to be that kind of day.

If I see you around the block. Maybe I will have a blondie in my bag for you. 

Why?

Because I like you.

Trail Mix Blondies

2 cups of flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
pinch of cinnamon
2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup pecans, chopped (or other nut)
1 cup raisins (or dried cranberries, cherries, etc)
1 cup dark chocolate chips (or your favorite)


Sift together the flour, baking soda/powder and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter in a stand mixer for about 3 minutes. Then add the sugars. Mix together for another three minutes until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one, then add your vanilla.

Slowly incorporate the flour mixture. Being careful not to over-mix. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Press into a banking pan and bake at 325 degrees for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.

Enjoy!