DIY Kiddush: Pecan Blondies

DIY Kiddush: Pecan Blondies

One of my friends, Lydia, made this for the Kiddush, and they were a big hit. 

The recipe looks great, and is very easy. 

Lydia made one tiny adjustment which made it go from ordinary to chief d’oeuve (work of art).  

Instead of sprinkling 1/4 cup of chopped nuts on top, she arranged for a whole pecan to be centered in each cookie bar. So simple and yet so beautiful!

This recipe is on the package of Diamond Brand Pecans

Ingredients

1 cup flour

¾ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

5 tablespoons shortening or oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup chopped pecans: my friend used ¾ cup for the batter and then put 1 whole pecan for each square. According to recipe, you need 20 whole pecan pieces. Otherwise, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts on top before cooking.

Instructions

If using food processor, cream sugar, butter and vanilla. Blend dry ingredients until just blended. Stir in 3/4 cup of the pecans or nuts.

 Spread evenly in well-greased 8X8 square pan. 

 Evenly place whole pecan on top, so that when cooked, each blondie will have 1 whole pecan in the center of each piece. 

If not using whole pecans, sprinkle the rest of the nuts on top, before baking.

Bake in preheated 350*F oven for 30 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and top springs back when lightly touched in center. 

Cool in pan and cut into 20 bars.

I saved some and here is a picture of them: