almond blondies

2 c. packed brown sugar
2/3 c. butter, cut up
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. chopped almonds
chocolate chips (optional)

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees.  grease a 13x9x2 inch baking pan; set aside.  in a medium saucepan heat brown sugar and butter over medium heat until butter melts and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.  cool slightly.   stir in eggs, one at a time.  add vanilla.  stir in flour, baking powder and baking soda.

2.  spread batter in prepared baking pan.  sprinkle with almonds (and chocolate chips if you decide to use them).  bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  cool slightly in pan on a wire rack.  cut into bars while warm.


*original recipe from better homes and gardens