Blondies

Zingerman's bakehouse makes the best pecan blondies. We found this recipe online that is supposed to be the Zingerman's recipe. We made a few tweaks but they came out pretty darn good!

INGREDIENTS

BATTER

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons dark rum or whiskey
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

PRALINE

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup pecan pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS

• 1
  1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• 2
  2. Line a 8“ x 8” baking pan with parchment paper.
• 3
  3. Make the Praline: first, brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then add the pecan pieces, salt and vanilla extract and toss to coat. Stir to combine.
• 4
  4. Put the hot buttery pecans into the 8 x 8 pan and place into the oven at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes.
• 5
  5. When the nuts are just out of the oven, put the granulated sugar into the saucepan and melt it over medium heat. Bring to a boil stirring minimally and let the sugar caramelize to a nice light brown color. Immediately add the pecans (which are still warm from the oven) and then pour the mixture back onto the parchment paper. Let cool. *** Be careful not to burn the sugar*** Take it off the heat immediately after it turns brown.
• 6
  6. Turn the oven up to 325 degrees F.
• 7
  7. Make the batter. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. 
• 8
  8. Add the butter to the brown sugar. Then add the rum (or whiskey) and vanilla extract. 
• 10
  9. Add the eggs after the mixture is cooled.

  
  10. In a separate container or bowl, combine the flour, the salt and the baking powder, using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the brown sugar mixture to this mixture.
• 12
  11. Break up the cooled praline and add to the bowl in chunks. Stir.
• 13
  12. Pour the batter into the 8x8 pan lined in parchment paper.

  
  

  13. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center is nearly clean.14. Remove from the oven and cool on a cooling rack. Cut into 16 squares.
• 
  

  Adapted from:http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/2233222-Praline-Blondies?full_recipe=true

  
  

Glazed Lime Cookies

Glazed Lime Cookies

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lime zest
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
4-5 teaspoons fresh lime juice

directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 35o degrees F. Line two baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk and set aside.

3. In a small bowl, add granulated sugar and lime zest. Rub the sugar and lime zest together with your fingers, until fragrant.

4. Beat butter and sugar/lime mixture together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

5. Slowly beat in flour mixture on low speed until blended. Drop dough by tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently flatten dough with the palm of your hand.

6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until cookies are just set and slightly golden brown. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 2 minutes and transfer to cooking racks. Cool completely.

7. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lime juice. Dip each cookie top into the lemon glaze. Let cookies sit until icing has set.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Taken From http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/glazed-lemon-cookies/