Chocolate Caramel Paisley Blondies

On a rainy day, sometimes all I want to do is bake some goodies and warm food and watch a movie by the fireplace. Well, we had some friends come over last night so nix on the movie and fire. But I did happen to get a little adventurous and make some Chocolate Caramel Paisley Blondies. Considering all the butter in them, I was surprised that they were a little drier and cakier than I expected. Although, I'd have to admit, they are pretty darn good and great for sharing with friends.

Chocolate Chip Paisley Blondies

Makes 32 bars, 142 Calories each

3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup caramel syrup

1) Beat butter, sugar and brown sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

2) Mix flour, baking powder and salt in separate bowl. Beat into the butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

3) Spread half the batter in a greased 13x9" baking pan. Drizzle caramel over the top. (I don't really know how much I used but it was maybe 1/3-1/2 cup of caramel.) Spoon over the remaining batter. It's important to use a spoon because you want the caramel to stay in the middle so that the syrup showing in the spaces between the batter will form a paisley effect.

4) Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely in pan and cut into bars.