Fluffernuffer Blondies (one pot)

I know it's Fluffernutter not Fluffernuffer, but see I heard wrong the first time I ever had anyone say Fluffernutter to me and I have never gotten it right since.

If you know me, I talk funny. And I don't think I talk funny just because I have an American accent in a foreign country kinda way. I mean I say words wrong and I make up words without even thinking about it. It's just that sometimes my brain is on fast forward and my mouth doesn't always keep up with changes in wordage.

These blondies are a very good example of my thought process. First I wanted to make banana brownies. Then I thought that bananas would be good with peanut butter. Then I was like you know what's good with peanut butter? Marshmallows!! Then I was like ooooooo fluffernuffers! Then the bananas were completely dropped from the ingredient list.

It's a mess living in my head!

If you are know asking yourself what the heck is a fluffernutter? I will tell you it's a sandwich. Specifically a sandwich with peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. According to what I have read it has to be on white bread as well. I myself have never had a fluffernutter sandwich, but I love the combo of peanut butter and marshmallows.

So, I made peanut butter and marshmallow blondies and called them Fluffnuffer Blondies! One last thing the best thing about these blondies is that they can be made in one pot! I am always 100% in favor of less dishes.

Fluffernuffer Blondies

100g unsalted butter
225g white chocolate, broken up
175g light muscovado sugar
1 medium egg, beaten
200g crunchy peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
225g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
80-100g mini marshmallows

Heat the oven to 180C and line the sides of an 8 in/20cm square cake pan.
Melt the butter and white chocolate together in a medium/large saucepan over a very low heat. When the butter has melted remove from the heat and stir until the chocolate has completely melted. Beat in the sugar, egg, peanut butter, and vanilla until combined. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt over the mixture and fold in until just combined. Gently pour/spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Then scatter the mini marshmallows all over the top until completely covered.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. Since you can't see the top of the blondies, due to all the marshmallows, you won't be able to tell if they are golden brown. If you are unsure give them an extra few minutes it won't hurt. Also if the marshmallows start to brown too quickly just place a loose sheet of aluminium foil on top.
Leave to cool completely before cutting into squares and then eat them!

notes: Read more about Fluffernutters here! Recipe is loosely based on one from Rachel Allen's Cake book. 

What’s In Your Picnic Basket? #getsummerstarted

I don’t ever remember waiting for summer like I do since I moved to England. After all the grey skies and rainy days all I want is the sun! We were lucky last week to have a couple good days to get out and enjoy clear skies.

Sainsbury’s asked me to share with you how I get my summer started and we start our summer as we mean to continue; with a picnic and great company! The first three essential picnic things you need are a blanket, basket/bag, and someone to share it with.

We have had the same picnic blanket for 7 years it’s great because one side is plastic to keep it getting wet from the grass, it’s also machine washable. The picnic basket/bag we use I bought about 3 years ago and it’s been everywhere with us! Both were bought at my local Sainsbury’s, every year they come out with new designs and styles so keep our eye out if you are in the market for a good blanket and bag!

But on to what really makes a great picnic… the food!

Here’s what is in my picnic basket:

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches cut in 4 triangles to share

Sausage Rolls

Cocktail Sausages

Sainsbury’s Spanish Tapas Selection

Babybels

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Tabolleoh

Bag of salad

Fruit Salad

Veggie Sticks

Hummus, Caramelized Onion is our favorite

Breadstick minis

Crackers/Pitas individual packages

Rice Krispie Treats (recipe below)

Juice Boxes

Bottle of Water

Don’t forget a plastic container or two for the salad and forks! A plastic bag for trash is also handy as most parks have trash bins. It makes the picnic bag lighter for the nice refreshing walk afterwards.

We are lucky enough to have a big park and canal near by where there are plenty of places to go and run and play. Our favorite stop on our walk is the bridge where we stop to play Pooh (as in Winnie-the-Pooh) Sticks. We collect different sticks on our way there just to throw them over the bridge on one side then racing over to the other to see whose comes out first.

We also like to feed the ducks, but on this occasion didn’t bring any bread. Although recently I read something saying you shouldn’t feed ducks bread. It’s not good for them apparently. Might need to invest in some duck friendly food sooner then later as the days get warmer.

So, I’m curious what’s in your picnic bag? Tweet me (@unitedcakedom) or tag me in on Instagram (@unitedcakedom) a picture of your picnic or share your favorite picnic food and I will be sure to like and re-tweet it with my readers!

Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats

75g butter

250g mini marshmallows, divided in two portions 200g/50g

150g smooth or crunchy Lotus Biscoff spread

130g Rice Krispies

Line a rectangle pan/tin/whatever with grease proof paper. Place the butter in a saucepan and once melted, but not burnt add 200g of the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Take off the heat and mix in the biscoff spread and stir until smooth. Add the Rice Krispies and the remaining 50g of marshmallows and mix until it’s all covered. Moving fast put in your lined tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Leave to sit for 2 hours or more on warm days. Cut into squares and enjoy! They keep up to 5 days in an airtight container.

notes: in association with Sainsbury's - FYI the sausage rolls and other snack bites are usually on offer 2 for 3GBP