Salty Sweet Chocolate Bars

These were served at the Historical League Open House but I did not get a taste. A few days later we had a meeting for Children's Holiday Party to be held Dec 17 at Arizona Biltmore and they were served again. YUMMMM. Tastes better a few days later.

Also love the Chocolate Peanut Treats on page 162 in Tastes & Treasures. Try them both.

FLEUR DE SEL CHOCOLATE CHIP BLONDIES

Ingredients:

8 oz unsalted butter, (2 sticks) soft

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup sugar

2 1/3 cups flour

1¼ t baking soda

Pinch fine sea salt, optional

2 eggs, at room temperature

2 t vanilla

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1-1½ T coarse salt; like Fleur de Sel or Kosher salt

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Spray a 9x13 jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer beat the butter on medium speed with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sugars, stopping to scrape the bowl as necessary.
4. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the butter and sugar are fully incorporated, about 5 more minutes.
5. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda and sea salt, if using. Use a whisk to combine and break up any clumps. Set aside.
6. To the butter & sugar mixture add the eggs, one at a time. Allow the egg to fully incorporate into the batter before adding the second egg. Add the vanilla.
7. Turn the mixer down to the lowest speed. Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing only until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet. Scrape the bowl.
8. With the mixer on the lowest speed add the 3 cups of chocolate chips and mix just until combined. Alternately, remove the mixing bowl from the stand and use a wooden spoon to gently fold in the chocolate chips.
9. Spread the batter onto the prepared jelly roll pan.
10. Sprinkle the coarse salt on top, gently pressing to help the salt adhere.
11. Bake for about 25 minutes, until light golden brown; crunchy on top, not wobbly in the center; similar to a brownie… do not over bake.
12. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a rack.
13. Gently flip Blondies onto a cutting board to cut into cute little bars.

Makes about 24-48 bars