I used to dread packing lunches but my controlling nature meant I did not want to share the task with my husband. After struggling for the first few years I have it down to a system. I pack most of the lunch the night before, making sure to include a fruit, a veggie, a juice, a yogurt or some sort of salty snack, a sandwich or other main dish and a baked treat. I try to avoid the processed lunch foods and stock the freezer on the weekends with homemade lunch box treats. One of the favourites are blondies. I have even had these requested for party snacks at school. This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart's Chewy Oatmeal Blondie recipe which uses her Everyday Baking Mix. These are also peanut free and safe for taking to school.
Favorite Oatmeal Blondies
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 cup old fashioned oats
Prepare baking dish, line 8" x 8" baking dish with parchment paper or butter 12 muffin pan for lunch box snack size treats. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl whisk flour, white sugar and baking powder to mix. In another bowl beat butter and brown sugar until creamy, then add egg and beat until mixed thoroughly. In a few batches stir dry mix into wet until just combined. Add 3/4 cup of oats and mix to combine. Smooth mixture into baking dish or divide evenly not muffin tins. Sprinkle with remaining oats. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in square pan or 20 minutes if using muffin pan.
