Blond(ie)s Do It Better

"Tell me how does it feel. When your heart grows cold," sings Bernard Sumner. You'd recognize those words, as would any New Order fan, as part of their hit "Blue Monday".

Blue Monday is also more than just a song; it's also known as the most depressing day of the year and this year it fell on January the 17th. That's a Monday to anyone still without a calendar. As if Mondays weren't crappy already...

Yes, Blue Monday may be a made-up day created by a now-defunct in-house TV channel, but with many universities already underway into their second or third week of school, those readings and assignments are probably piling up and that can be kind of a bummer.

Fortunately, there's a recipe out there that's sure to put a smile on your face or at the very least, get your serotonin levels ragin'. With that thought, The Project presents to you: (through the help of TasteSpotting) M&M Blondies.

You'd best check out the original recipe as this one was made with all ingredients adjusted to half a cup of M&M's, but the recipe works just fine despite the odd amounts listed below. If you can get through finding all the ingredients you'll be sure to have a colourful and fragrant treat that'll help digest those negative notions.



M&M Blondies
Recipe from The Recipe Girl

What's In It:
-1/2 a cup of M&M's (125mL)
-4 Tbsp of unsalted butter
-100mL of dark brown sugar
-4 tsp of sugar
-1 tsp of vanilla extract
-1/2 a cup of shredded coconut (125mL)
-1/2 a cup of all-purpose flour (125mL)
-1 large egg
-pinch of salt

Makes 8 blondies



1. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Next line a small pan (3 X 4 inches will do the trick) with parchment paper.



2. Now, in a small sauce pan, heat the butter until it browns. Look for a change in colour and a seductively sweet nutty smell to let you know that the butter's ready. Just don't be distracted long enough to let it burn. Set aside and cool.



3. In a large bowl, combine the browned butter with both sugars. Mix well to combine.



4. Add the egg, vanilla, salt and mix well.

5. Stir in flour, coconut and the M&M's.



6. Mix everything together and with a wooden spoon or spatula and spread the mixture into the pan.



7. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.



8. Cut into eighths and serve warm with a glass of cold moo moo juice.