Maple Walnut Blondies

These guys might look a little plain, but don't let their looks fool you, they pack a real flavour punch!  I love the maple syrup flavour here and they couldn't be easier to make.  Whip up a batch in a few minutes and your family will love you for it!  I got this recipe out of Todays Parent Magazine 2008.

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
2/3 cup rolled oats, old fashioned or quick (not instant)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (toasted almonds would be a nice switch here)

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Grease an 8 inch square baking pan.

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar, just until creamy.  Add the maple syrup, egg and vanilla, and continue beating on high speed until thoroughly combined.  The mixture may look a little curdled; this is OK.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, oats and baking powder.  Add to the butter mixture, beating just until evenly mixed.  Stir in the walnuts and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the middle of the pan comes out mostly clean. (Don't overbake!)

Makes about 16 squares