Gingerbread Blondies

Anything baked in a half sheet, jelly roll pan is a friend of mine. I was really attracted to this recipe for White Chocolate Gingerbread Blondies (recipe here), yet became even more attracted when I read that these are baked in a 11 x 17 sheet pan. The reason being; it makes a large quantity.

My friend, Diane, was having an open house in her hair salon today. She was going to serve cheeses, fruit and wine. I suggested something sweet and offered to bake. I knew I was going to do some sort of bar, but really didn't know what until I found this recipe a few days ago. I altered it a little. I added a little bit of crystallized ginger to the batter. It gave the blondie the kick it was missing. I also made a brown sugar glaze and drizzled, unevenly over the top of the bars before cutting. This, I feel, made the cookie extra special. Everyone, flipped over these, including the hubby!

These are a must, however don't make them with out the glaze!

Brown Sugar Glaze

2 Tbl. butter

1/4 c. brown sugar

2 Tbl. heavy cream

2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup sifted powdered sugar.

Melt butter in saucepan with brown sugar and cream. When butter melts, whisk until a little bubbling occurs. Take off the stove and add vanilla, powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.

Drizzle, quickly (cuz it sets fast) over bars. I put in fridge to harden. Also, don't add glaze until bars are cooled completely.

Happy baking!