Blondies ala Mode

The only thing that comes close to the comforting marriage of warm and cold - brownies ala mode - are their kissing cousin, Blondies ala Mode. Oh my. Here are two recipes for you. I could go on about each of them individually, but I will combine them (and you should too) and experience their sinful goodness!

Blondies ala Mode
Blondies:
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
2 cups packed brown sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift dry ingredients together (flour through walnuts) and set aside. Combine butter and brown sugar together; mix well. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients with butter mixture a little at a time. Batter will be very thick. Spread evenly into a 9x13 baking dish that the bottom has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 30-35 minutes.

Caramel Sauce:
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter (no substitutes)

Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook 3 minutes, stirring regularly. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Makes approximately 1 1/2 pints.

To assemble dessert, top a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on an individual warm blondie. Top with caramel sauce and garnish with additional chopped walnuts.