Today is Macadamia Nut Day. Instead of adding walnuts into your oatmeal or your favorite trail mix try giving the macadamia nut a try. Macadamia nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and plant substances that might lower cholesterol.
My husband and I went to Hawaii this past May and Hawaii is famous for their native Macadamia Nuts. One thing we noticed while we stayed on the various islands of Hawaii, these nuts are added to just about every baked good from cookies to quick breads. Today I thought I’d add them to a blondie bar.
Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 25- 30 mintues
This recipe yields: 24 Blondies
Essential Tools for the job & pre work:
- 9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional but will make life easier)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line baking dish with parchment paper; enough to get sides to pull the Blondies out to make for easier cutting.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-2/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup chopped finely macadamia nuts
Directions:
1. In a stand mixer attacjed bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add applesauce and mix. Beat in eggs one at a time & add vanilla. Set aside.
2. In a medium sized bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spices and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Lastly fold in the macadamia nuts. Spread into a prepared 9 inch square baking pan (I did use a dark pan). The type of pan will effect the cooking time). If your pan is lighter you might need to bake it longer.
3. Bake in the center rack of oven for 25-30 minutes or until set and golden brown & toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Using parchment “handle” pull bars out and place on cutting board & cut into 24 bars. Store in a airtight container, whole wheat products don’t last as long as AP baked goods.