Blond Memories

No, this has nothing to do with hair!  Somehow, food and hair don't mix!  It's a dedication of sorts to  a dear friend, whom I found in the blogging world.  We "clicked" because we have so much in common including the same hometown and our birthday's are one day apart!   Happy Birthday, Sue!  And, of course, we are both blonds!

Today's recipe comes from our memories of the Helms Bakery truck that  cruised through neighborhoods selling bread and amazing pastries.  We also had the Good Humor man and a local fisherman perusing the town in his fresh fish truck.  Imagine that!  This was all before the "big box" grocery stores and fast food took over. 

These bakery blondies, I have to admit, were not my favorites.  Not because they weren't good; I never tried them!  I was too busy wanting brownies, creme puffs and the like.  When the Helms bakery truck opened the drawers in the back end of the truck the decision making was difficult.  Too much beauty and goodness!  But, now, these blondies rate pretty far up on the sweet scale.  They are soft, chewy, nutty and crunchy all rolled up into one little square.  Make them, but they will not last long!

So, happy birthday, Sue.  You need these to keep your life in balance!

Makes 16 squares

1 cup flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

2/3 cup (packed) light brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk

1 Tbsp light corn syrup

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped nuts (I used a mix of pecans and roasted almonds)

Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium high heat.  Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter has turned a light golden brown.  Remove from the heat and beat in the sugars.  Let cool to room temperature.

Stir in the egg and yolk, then the corn syrup and vanilla.  Stir in the nuts, then fold in the flour mixture.  Pour the batter into a generously greased 8 x 8 pan.

Bake about 30 minutes at 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool and cut into bars.  Enjoy!

http://www.helmsbakerydistrict.com/

http://sueslifeinbalance.com/