#246: Chocolate Chip-Preztel Blondies

This recipe came from one of my All You Magazines, and when I needed to bring a dessert to our "picnic" themed luncheon, this looked like one that would be easy to make and easy to transport!  These were quite good.  The combo of chocolate and peanut butter in the topping with the pretzels is a nice touch!!  I would make this again!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups coarsely crushed salted pretzels (about 3 oz.)
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (I used semi sweet choc chips)
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment. (I just sprayed with cooking spray and it came out easily from the pan)

2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and 1 cup pretzels. Spread evenly in baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

3. In a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt chocolate with peanut butter, stirring until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over blondies. Sprinkle with remaining crushed pretzels. Let cool before cutting into squares.

PS...I linked this post up to a blog called Sweet As Sugar Cookies.  There are some really yummy recipes there.  Check it out!