Blondies I

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup pecans

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C).
2. Dry toast the chopped pecans until fragrant and slightly colored.
3. This can either be done in a dry skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat while stirring frequently or else by roasting the nuts in the oven on a cookie sheet while you prepare the batter.
4. The stovetop method is faster but requires more attention.
5. It is also possible to buy dry toasted nuts instead of raw to avoid this step.
6. The pecans should be crunchy and nutty, not rubbery or mealy.
7. In a small bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
8. Set aside.
9. In a large bowl, stir the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until uniform, breaking up any large lumps of sugar.
10. Beat in the egg until creamy.
11. Gently fold in the flour mixture.
12. When flour is nearly incorporated, gently fold in the toasted pecans.
13. Do not overmix.
14. Spread the mixture into a buttered 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20 cm) baking dish.
15. Bake at 325°F (170°C) for 30 minutes or until desired doneness.
16. Let cool and cut into bars.