Maple Strawberry Blondies

HAPPY CANADA DAY WEEKEND!

I love Canada, I love Canada Day Weekend. We often head up to the cottage this weekend.  What better place to spend Canada than on a beautiful lake enjoying the great Canadian landscapes.  Sometimes we head into town to watch the fireworks, which I love.  I am still a kid when it comes to fireworks.  I was so excited to see the fireworks at Disney, probably more than my niece and nephews.  Must just be the big kid in me. 

I am so happy to live in this great Country.  Great people, beautiful places and many social benefits.   I say this as I enjoy my 1 year maternity leave.  Pretty great, EH?   Hope all my Canadian friends and followers enjoy this great long weekend. 

I decided to make today's treat full of delicious Canadian items.  Maple syrup and local Ontario strawberries.   I went strawberry picking the other day with a friend and our two little ones.  We just sat them off to the side and they just sat there stealing each others toys and then eating many strawberries.  Then later that after what seemed like hours of chopping I still wish I had more.  They are so fresh and juicy.  I am in love. 

Maple Cheddar Apple Crumble

 A few facts about me.


1. One year ago I did not like hot drinks, mostly coffee and tea. The taste of both were just so unappealing to me.  Even hot chocolate was hit or miss.  I actually drank that with a spoon.

2. Present day I now drink green tea on a daily basis and actually enjoy it.  Coffee is still on the no way list.  Weird?  During my last trimester of pregnancy my naturopath gave me this special tea that was supposed to help with uterine health etc.   Since I am a good patient I did what she said and drank it every day.   This tea slowly broke me down.  It was not the best tasting tea so I think when I have other teas now they are quite good.    The funny thing is for the last week, I get my water hot, pop in the tea bag, put my cup on the table near the couch and forget.   I have done this five days in a row.   I am seriously losing my ability to remember.

3. My new favorite sound is laughing baby.  I just can't get enough of it.

4. I make an apple crumble almost every major holiday.  I love to try different versions every now and then and decided to for Easter.  Since cheddar and apple are common combination I thought I would try and throw some in the mix.

12 Days of Cookies - Day 10 - Maple Walnut Shortbread

 I love the work week leading up to Christmas.  The office is half empty, everyone takes long lunches, restaurants are packed and everyone is struggling to be productive.   Monday starts off a little strong but by Thursday everyone's minds are already gone, talking about family plans, presents and time off. Of course, I was still being productive, wink wink.  Friday ended up being a half day, so I went home early and baked.

I am on Day 10 and cutting it close to get these cookies done before Christmas but the end is near. All these cookies are also making me behind on 3 desserts I have made for random parties.  I know what I will be doing my holidays.  Also, don't forget there will be a giveaway on Day 12!!

Enjoy Day 10!


Maple Walnut Shortbread
(Adapted from Cusine at Home Holiday Cookies)


INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 350F.   Spray a 8 inch square pan with non stick spray

2) In a medium bowl, add the flour, cornstarch and salt and whisk together. 

3) In a large bowl/mixer bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar, until light and fluffy.  Scrape down the sides

4) In the mixer running, slowly pour in the maple syrup and beat until incorporated. 

5) Add flour mixture into the butter/sugar mixture 1/3 at a time.  Beat on low until just combined. 

6) Fold in toasted walnuts with a spatula. 

7) Press dough into the square pan, evening out with a spatula or your hands (lightly wetting if needed to prevent sticking)

8) Bake 30-35 minutes until edges become golden.  Let cool a few minutes then cut into bars while still warm.  Let cool completely in pan.

I don't make shortbread very often and now I know why.  I would eat it all really quickly! Buttery, smooth and just melts in your mouth.   I like this one too with out a lot sugar, just pure natural maple syrup.   Has anyone ever tried gluten free shortbread?  I wonder....

MEG's RATING: D-EEEEE-LICIOUS

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Day 9 - Chocolate Cherry Macaroons