While on our annual spring break visit to Disney World, we passed many bakery style shops displaying an assortment of carefully prepared baked goods and other sweet treats. Most items were meticulously iced with a thick layer of frosting representing the familiar red, yellow, black, and white colors that Mickey and Minnie traditionally wear. For my family, this thick layer of icing is a bit too much; the “sweet” on top of the “sweet” is more than we can take. Especially when there are so many other treats that entice us throughout the parks.
This year, as we were checking out the shops, my oldest daughter spied a scrumptious square of deliciousness that reminded her of my traditional blondie recipe. Unfortunately, a layer of icing donned the top. In a disappointed tone, she asked if I might bake some blondies when we returned home. She also requested the addition of butterscotch chips. Here is my traditional recipe with a twist of butterscotch and walnut flavors.
Butterscotch Blondies
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cups butterscotch chips
1 cup walnuts, chopped
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9″ baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and water; beat well. In a medium bowl, Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture, mixing well until completely combined. Stir in butterscotch chips and nuts. Batter will be thick. Spread into prepared pan.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until top is golden brown and center is set. Cool completely. Cut into 1 1/2″ bars.
There are very few recipes that I bake where I don’t use oatmeal as an ingredient in some form or another. I often stir a handful of oatmeal into the batter for cakes, cookies, and muffins. Or, I might sprinkle oats over the top of the batter just before popping pans into the oven. I even stir oats into my ground beef when making meatloaf, hamburgers, or meatballs. I’m a big fan of the flavor, texture, and health benefit that oats can bring to many recipes. 
The next time you’re looking for a sweet treat this one will not disappoint. Great for holiday gatherings, this party mix is completely addicting. Make a quick batch, place it out on the counter and BAM, it’s gone in a flash. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this delicious treat! It’s a sinful mix that will satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season.
After vacationing this past week, I wanted to share a great recipe that I often make when I’m traveling. As I’ve mentioned before, my family frequently travels to our Disney Vacation Club time share to rest and relax. I often pack a bag full of munchies, packaged mixes, peanut butter and jelly and a tin of homemade cookies for the road. This year I put a box of angel food cake mix and a can of crushed pineapple in the food bag, along with all of the other essentials needed for a week’s worth of meals. I was anxious to whip up this tasty treat for a late night dessert with the family. You’ll find this cake to be light and airy and full of flavor. The tiny bits of pineapple are barely seen in the finished product but they pack a flavorful punch. Unbelievably, the recipe includes only two ingredients (with the exception of an optional sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bit of pizzaz). Pair the cake with a handful of sweet berries and you’ve got a winner!
Pineapple Angel Food Cake
Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts 