by Janet Reimche

Created on: April 30, 2009   Last Updated: January 26, 2010

Blonde Brownies

The flavor of a chocolate chip cookie combined with the texture of a brownie make this treat simply irresistible.  

Ingredients:

2 Cups flour

1 Teaspoon baking powder

1/4 Teaspoon baking soda

1 Teaspoon salt

1 Cup chopped walnuts

2/3 Cup shortening

2 Cups brown sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2 Teaspoons vanilla

1 Package chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Melt shortening in pan and remove from heat.

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Add nuts.

Add sugar to shortening. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Cool slightly. Add flour mixture gradually, beating well. Pour into floured and greased 10x14 pan. Sprinkle with desired amount of chocolate chips and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool fifteen minutes and cut into squares.

Hints:

These brownies make a thoughtful gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can find patterned food-safe wraps, colorful tins and gift basket supplies in most craft stores. Be creative! Show your gift recipient how much you care.

For gift basket ideas, add packets of hot chocolate, tea or coffee, then throw in a couple of ceramic mugs filled with chocolate kisses! And if your recipient has pets, don't forget the treats made specifically for them (recipes below).

These brownies are good candidates for mailing because they do not require refrigeration. Wrap each brownie with plastic wrap to seal in the freshness. The chewy, moist texture will actually improve with time. Instruct the recipient to warm the brownies just before eating.

Pack your container in a heavy-duty cardboard box that allows a 2-3" cushion all around. Place a layer of shipping peanuts, popcorn or crumpled paper on the bottom of the box, then set your container inside. Fill in the sides and top with more material. Seal the box with heavy-duty shipping tape. Place a mailing label on the box and your brownies are ready to ship.

Homemade Dog Treats from GourmetSleuth.com (makes 60 treats)

Ingredients:

3 1/2 Cups unbleached flour

2 Cups whole wheat flour

1 Cup cornmeal

1 1/2 Cups lukewarm chicken or meat broth

Blend flours and cornmeal. Set aside. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm broth. Let set for 10 minutes.

Stir in flour mixture.

Roll dough out to " thick. Cut dog biscuit shapes from dough. Brush with egg wash. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 300-degrees for 45 minutes. Turn off oven and leave in for 8 hours to finish hardening.

 
Homemade Cat Treats From CDKitchen.com (makes 2 dozen)
Ingredients:
3/4 cup white flour
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup cornmeal
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine cheeses and yogurt. Add flour and cornmeal.

Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one inch sized pieces and place on greased cookie sheet.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Learn more about this author, Janet Reimche.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.