1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 pinch baking soda
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup melted unsalted real butter
1 1/3 cup packed brown sugar – divided
1 egg – beaten
1 Tbls. vanilla extract
1/2 cup vanilla baking chips
1/4 cup unsalted real butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
8 oz. cream cheese – softened
1/2 tsp. maple extract

-Sift together sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir in nuts; set aside.
-With an electric mixer, beat together melted butter and 1 cup brown sugar.
-Beat in egg and vanilla.
-Slowly beat dry mixture into wet mixture.
-Stir in vanilla baking chips by hand.
-Spread batter into a greased 9″ X 9″ X 2″ baking pan.
-Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; set aside to cool.
-In a saucepan over low heat, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter and maple syrup.
-Stir remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar into saucepan until it has dissolved.
-Remove saucepan from heat and beat in cream cheese and maple extract until smooth.
-Return saucepan to low heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until desired consistency.

Notes: Serve sauce over warm blondies topped with vanilla ice cream.

Serves: 9-12
Prep. Time: 0:50