Food Friday--Blondies

I'm weird.  I have mentioned that before, but it bears saying again.  :)  See, I don't like brownies.  I know, I know.  Everybody likes brownies!  Not this everybody.

However, blondies are darn tasty, and the recipe is forgiving and versatile, and comes together really fast, which is good when one has a craving.

This recipe comes from a cookbook that was given to me many years ago, and there is no name listed for me to give credit to.  Thank you, anonymous blondie baker.  Your recipe is being sent around the world.  I hope you don't mind.

Blondies (Blonde brownies)

What you need:

1 stick butter, melted (I use unsalted)
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Pinch salt (Omit the salt if you use salted butter)
1 cup all purpose flour (I use unbleached flour, regular works fine, too.)

What you do:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

In a medium microwave safe bowl, melt your butter, then add the brown sugar and whisk until smooth.

Buttery brown sugar.  It smells good.

Whisk in the egg, the salt, and the vanilla (or almond) extract.

I used almond this time.  The whole house smelled amazing.

This spoon measures a "pinch".

Now, whisk in the flour and if you want to add anything, do it now.  (1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips, or anything else you think might be good.  I left this batch plain.)

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on your oven.  Remove and let cool  in the pan until you can't stand it anymore, then slice into small squares and enjoy.

Hot from the oven.

Ready to eat.