Banana-Macadamia Nut Blondies

Banana-Macadamia Nut Blondies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium banana, mashed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts, toasted
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with foil; grease foil.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat together banana, butter, shortening and brown sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla for an additional 2 minutes. Beat in flour mixture until just combined. Beat in coconut, macadamia nuts and chocolate chips until just combined.

Spread batter evenly into prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into blondies comes out with moist crumbs attached. Cool completely before lifting out foil and slicing into bars. Freeze for easier slicing.

Makes 12 bars