Blondie (confection)

Blondies

Blondies
Alternative names	Blonde brownie, blondie bar, blondies, butterscotch brownie.
Type	Dessert bar
Place of origin	United States
Main ingredients	Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla
Cookbook: Blondies   Media: Blondies

Blondies are a type of dessert bar that is similar to brownies but with a different flavor. They are made with brown sugar instead of cocoa and are often baked in a pan, and then cut into squares or rectangles. Other ingredients such as walnuts or chips can be added to the mixture. Blondies are soft and chewy. The name 'blondies' comes from their light color, which contrasts with the dark color of traditional brownies.

History

The first recipe for blondies ever was published in 1896 by Fannie Farmer. She was a pioneer of modern American cookery. Interestingly they were called “brownies” when the recipe first came out but it contained vanilla and molasses instead of cocoa. which gave the blondies their golden color. It could be said that blondies are the predecessors of the brownie and some may even argue that they are the original “brownie” because the first recipe for the brownie we know today was published almost a decade later in 1906 by Fannie Farmer. A common misconception is that dessert was called brownies because of their appearance but in reality, they were named brownies after the elfin characters of "Brownies"that were popular in books and folk stories. It wasn't until the mid-1970s, or early 1980s that the terms blondie and butterscotch brownies seemed to appear.

Appearance

A blondie bar typically has a golden or light brown color, attributed to the use of brown sugar and vanilla instead of cocoa. They are usually square or rectangular, cut from a larger pan of baked dough. Depending on the recipe, the surface can have a slight crackle, or it may be smooth and shiny. Additional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts might be visible on the surface or when biting into the bar.

Variations

Blondies can be customized with a variety of ingredients to create unique flavors. Some popular variations include:

• Chocolate Chip Blondies: These blondies are loaded with chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Nutty Blondies: Nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the blondie mix for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Butterscotch Blondies: Butterscotch chips are added to the mix to give these blondies a sweet, buttery flavor.
• Coconut Blondies: Shredded coconut is mixed into the batter for a tropical twist.
• Caramel Blondies: A layer of caramel is added to the middle of these blondies for a gooey, sweet surprise.

Serving and pairing

They are usually paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Blondies can also be topped with caramel or chocolate sauce.

References

• “The History of Blondies.” Sponge, www.sponge.co.uk/blog/2022/11/the-history-of-blondies. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
• Sam. “The Best Blondie Recipe.” Sugar Spun Run, 14 Nov. 2018, sugarspunrun.com/blondies-recipe/.
• Henesy, Declan. “The Original Brownies Were Blondies - Seconds: Food History.” SECONDS, SECONDS | Food history, 9 Oct. 2019, www.secondshistory.com/home/brownies-blondies-history#:~:text=The first known recipe for, recognized today as a blondie.
• 32 Best Blondie Recipes - What to Put in Blondies, www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g3351/blondies-recipe/. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
• Clark, Melissa (October 2012). "Blondies". Saveur. No. 150. p. 83. ProQuest 1081823352.
• Address. “Browned Butter Blondies with Salted Caramel Sauce.” Corporate Events and Cooking Classes Chicago, The Chopping Block, 18 Oct. 2023, www.thechoppingblock.com/blog/browned-butter-blondies-with-salted-caramel-sauce.