Blondies With Variations

Directions

1. 1
   Butter an 8x8 pan
2. 2
   Mix melted butter with brown sugar and beat until smooth. Beat in egg, then stir in vanilla or almond extract.
3. 3
   Whisk flour and salt together, then stir into sugar mixture. Mix in any additions (below) just until combined.
4. 4
   Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350°F 20-25 minutes, or until set in the middle.
5. 5
   Further additions, use one or a combination of:
6. 6
   1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts, toasting them first for even better flavor
7. 7
   1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chips
8. 8
   1/2 teaspoon mint extract in addition to or in place of the vanilla
9. 9
   1/2 cup mashed bananas
10. 10
    1/4 cup bourbon, scotch or other whiskey; increase the flour by one tablespoon
11. 11
    2 tablespoons of espresso powder with the vanilla
12. 12
    1/2 cup dried fruit, especially dried cherries
13. 13
    Top with a vanilla butter cream or chocolate peanut butter cream frosting.