This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tazo® Tea. All opinions are 100% mine.
Walnut Blondies & Tazo Tea: The Quintessential Pairing for Your Afternoon Retreat
Experience pure delight with our rich, buttery Walnut Blondies, perfectly complemented by a warm cup of Tazo Tea. This is the ideal treat for any cozy afternoon!
Embracing the Timeless Tradition of Tea
My journey with tea began in childhood, deeply rooted in my family’s English heritage. With a grandmother born and raised in England and my father following suit, the daily ritual of tea wasn’t just a habit; it was an integral part of our household culture. I vividly recall a trip to England around age five, and the distinct memory of my brother and me being served hot tea on the flight home. The flight attendants might have found it unusual for such young children, but for us, it was simply tradition. This early exposure instilled a lifelong appreciation for the comforting beverage. To this day, my father maintains his routine of enjoying tea at least three, and often four, times a day. He affectionately refers to it as the “miracle drink,” and a day where I don’t join him for a cup often results in playful chiding. This ingrained appreciation for a good brew has stayed with me, shaping my understanding of tea as more than just a beverage, but a moment of comfort, reflection, and connection.
The English approach to tea is an art form in itself. It’s not just about the drink; it’s about the pause, the conversation, and the delightful accompaniments that complete the experience. Growing up, these moments were woven into the fabric of our family life, from quiet mornings to lively afternoon gatherings. The simple act of brewing and sharing a cup became a symbol of warmth and hospitality, a tradition passed down through generations. Even thousands of miles away from England, the essence of this tradition thrived in our home, making every cup of tea a reminder of our roots and a comforting constant in a busy world.
The Perfect Afternoon Pairing: Walnut Blondies with Tazo Tea
What truly elevates an afternoon tea experience, making it stand out from any other time of day, are the accompanying snacks. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe for these delectable Walnut Blondies, designed to be the ultimate companion to a delicious cup of hot tea. In traditional English tea settings, a simple biscuit—a small, sweet cookie, often enjoyed in just a couple of bites—is commonly served. These Walnut Blondies, with their slightly sweet, rich, and intensely buttery profile, packed with crunchy walnuts, feel like a sophisticated and equally delightful evolution of that classic idea. They are undeniably English-approved in spirit, offering just the right amount of indulgence without being overly heavy, making them a superb addition to any tea spread.
Effortless Baking for Maximum Enjoyment
Beyond their exquisite taste, one of the greatest appeals of these blondies is their surprising simplicity. They come together in mere minutes, requiring nothing more than a basic mixing bowl and a spatula. Forget the fuss of a stand mixer, complex techniques, or extensive preparation steps; this recipe is designed for ease, allowing you to whip up a batch of these golden squares whenever the craving strikes for a homemade treat. This effortless preparation means more time to relax and savor your tea, making them perfect for spontaneous afternoon tea gatherings or simply a personal moment of culinary bliss. The inviting aroma of these blondies baking fills the kitchen with a comforting, sweet scent, promising a delightful reward that’s just around the corner. Imagine the joy of pulling a tray of warm, golden-brown squares from the oven, knowing that in minutes, you’ll be enjoying a truly special treat.
The beauty of blondies lies in their chewy, dense texture, a delightful contrast to the crispiness of many traditional cookies. The walnuts add not only a pleasant crunch but also a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. Each bite offers a harmonious balance, making them incredibly satisfying. Paired with a steaming cup of tea, these blondies offer a truly comforting experience, a small luxury that feels incredibly accessible.
Tazo Tea: Crafting Extraordinary Brews for Discerning Palates
As someone whose family takes their tea seriously, I’ve inherited a discerning palate. I always found it amusing when my English relatives would pack their own tea bags when visiting the US, until I started traveling myself and realized the vast spectrum of tea qualities and flavors available globally. This journey taught me that not all teas are created equal. We are incredibly fortunate today to have such a diverse array of choices and blends at our fingertips, and among them, Tazo® Tea stands out for its exceptional quality and unique taste profiles. If you haven’t yet explored Tazo’s hot filtered teas, you are truly missing an opportunity to elevate your tea-drinking experience from the mundane to the extraordinary.
Discovering Tazo’s Signature Blends and Their Unique Charms
Tazo prides itself on crafting unexpected and vibrantly delicious blends, meticulously prepared using the finest-quality tea leaves, authentic spices, and carefully selected botanicals. Their unwavering commitment to flavor is evident in every cup, transforming each sip into a delightful sensory journey. Tazo believes in the power of unexpected tastes to awaken the senses, and their blends are a testament to this philosophy, carefully composed to delight and inspire. Let’s delve into some of their most popular and beloved options:
- Zen™: This green tea blend is a masterpiece of harmony and refreshment. It combines the bright, earthy notes of green tea with the invigorating coolness of spearmint and the crisp, citrusy undertones of lemongrass. The result is a truly uplifting and calming cup, perfect for a moment of quiet contemplation or a gentle pick-me-up. Its delicate yet distinct flavor profile makes it a favorite for those seeking a refreshing escape.
- Passion®: For those who crave a burst of vibrant flavor, Passion® is an invigorating herbal infusion that does not disappoint. It features a dazzling array of ingredients including hibiscus, known for its tart and fruity notes, complemented by the warmth of orange peel, the sweet spice of cinnamon, and the subtle, comforting sweetness of licorice root. This blend is an explosion of color and taste, bursting with lively fruit and exotic spice notes that tantalize the palate and awaken the spirit. It’s a bold and adventurous choice that promises a memorable tea experience.
- Awake™ English Breakfast: I confess a particular fondness for the Awake™ English Breakfast, and for good reason. Its robust and malty character instantly transports me back to my childhood, closely mirroring the comforting brews I enjoyed with my family in England. This classic black tea blend is strong, full-bodied, and incredibly satisfying, making it the quintessential choice for starting the day or for a traditional afternoon tea. It’s the perfect brew for those who appreciate a bold and unpretentious cup of tea, rich in tradition and flavor.
These high-quality teas are conveniently available at most local grocery stores, making it incredibly easy to bring a touch of extraordinary flavor into your daily routine. Tazo’s meticulous approach to taste ensures that their teas are always a delight for the senses, transforming a simple cup into an exquisite and memorable experience. They focus on crafting unique flavor journeys, making each sip an adventure.
The Art of the Cozy Afternoon: Savoring Every Moment
There’s an undeniable charm in slowing down and dedicating a moment to pure enjoyment. The preparation of these Walnut Blondies, with their simple ingredients and straightforward method, is a form of mindful relaxation in itself. And when paired with the nuanced flavors of a Tazo tea, such as the invigorating Zen, the fruity Passion, or the classic Awake English Breakfast, you create a perfect symphony of tastes and textures. Imagine sinking into a comfortable chair, the warmth of a mug in your hands, the inviting aroma of fresh tea mingling with the sweet, nutty scent of a blondie. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an invitation to pause, to breathe, and to savor the simple pleasures of life, a brief respite from the daily hustle. So this afternoon, carve out a moment for yourself. Indulge in a rich Walnut Blondie and a perfectly brewed cup of Tazo hot tea, allowing yourself to sip joyfully and truly appreciate the moment.
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, enjoying a quiet moment alone, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this pairing offers a delightful escape. The crisp yet chewy exterior and soft interior of the blondies, generously studded with crunchy walnuts, provide a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth, comforting warmth of your chosen Tazo blend. Each ingredient works in harmony, creating an experience that is both deeply satisfying and wonderfully refreshing. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most profound joys come from the simplest combinations, thoughtfully prepared and savored with intention. Embrace this tradition, create your own cozy moment, and let the flavors of Walnut Blondies and Tazo Tea transport you.
Walnut Blondies
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, , melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
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In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and light brown sugar with a wooden spoon until thoroughly blended and smooth.
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Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, and mix well until fully incorporated.
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Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
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Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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