Dairy Free, Nut Free, and Soy Free Blondies

                                        

Do blondes have more fun? I wouldn't know, but your tummy and heart will probably have a great time with these blondies, adapted to be dairy, nut, and soy free. 

Method: 

Recipe source: 

https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/chocolate-chip-pecan-blondies.html

Allergen Adaptations:

1. I used a neutral oil instead of melted butter. Specifically, I just learned that "vegetable oil" is actually soybean oil, so instead I used pure canola oil to ensure that my soy-free taster could enjoy. 

With oil being so much easier to mix with sugar than butter is, you might be tempted to skip the step of beating the fat and sugar for a few minutes. Committing the extra few minutes with your stand mixer or hand whisk helps create some airiness combined with the richness of the final result. 

Why oil and not a butter alternative? Your choice should be dependent on the goals of the recipe. There's no universal rule about which choice is better. Sometimes, your choice may be informed by whether you are looking for a finer with lift, like a fluffy cake (in which case butter, beaten with sugars, may be best), or whether you're looking for something really rich and tender, like I was looking for in these blondies. Often, it's a little of trial and error, which is what this blog and the scientific process are here for! 

2. I omitted the pecans. I've had these blondies with pecans and walnuts, and can testify to their deliciousness, but due to lack of having any in my pantry I just omitted, and may have added a few extra chocolate chips to make up for the texture. 

3. I selected Enjoy Life brand of mini chocolate chips, as they are verified safe for top 8 allergens, and personally verified as delicious. 

4. Because I was so confident in their appeal, I made a double batch! Just saying, I wasn't wrong. 

                                                

                                         

Results:

These pictures, and the fact that a double batch of these were GONE by allergic and non-allergic tasters in less than two days. 

           

Discussion: 

Bars are fun! And by that, of course I mean bar recipes where all you have to do is mix the ingredients, pour into a pan, bake, and eat. Blondies are like chocolate chip cookies' relaxed best friend. Sadly, blondies may seem to be off-limits to those with dietary restrictions because of the core ingredients that are unsafe, including butter, nuts, and chocolate. Fortunately, with a foundation of a great recipe, thanks to Once Upon a Chef (@onceuponachef on Instagram), and some simple allergen-friendly modifications, we can all enjoy some blondie fun.