Coconut Macadamia Blondies

I've been a blogging slacker this week but thanks to my good pal, Guestblogger Alita, I got a needed reprieve so that I can do some cooking and get back on schedule. I'm sure you'll all enjoy these delicious-sounding blondies. ---A Crafty Lass

In deciding what special treat I wanted to bake for my Valentine, I thought about his all time favorite cookie. I know he's not alone - you know the ones, those delicious Samoas that the cute little Girl Scouts so innocently sell us every year. I feel so good supporting them and teaching them about goals, making money and people skills (at least that is what one little girl told me - good sales pitch for a 8 year old, I thought!). In case the one person on earth who hasn't tried these cookies happens to be reading this today, the cookie is covered in caramel and coconut and of course drizzled with 5 perfect lines of chocolate. That purple box doesn't last long at our house - once you open it, you might as well not close it again!

Since my sweetie is not a big chocolate fan like me, I thought a cookie bar or blondie would be a good base, and after taking stock of my baking cabinet, I settled on a cross between the above mentioned Samoas and the always popular white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. So, I cooked up a recipe for Coconut Macadamia Nut Blondies. And, much like that purple box, this pan of bars did not last long!

• 1 stick of butter, melted (8 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup coconut (heaping)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Preheat over to 350f. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the melted butter with the brown & white sugars. With a spoon, mix in the egg, vanilla and salt until combined. Slowly mix in the flours, coconut, white & chocolate chips and the macadamia nuts until blended.

Pour the batter into the lined pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, the center should still be a little soft. Let them cool a little on a wire rack before removing them from the pan. Slice into squares and present to your favorite valentine!