My latest creation as a Spice Islands® Flavor Explorer…
From the moment I first lined up my large collection of Spice Islands’ glass jars, I was titillated by the vibrant colors and textures of the various contents within. One particular jar entranced me with its possibilities – the Spice Islands Crystallized Ginger. I left it out against my kitchen back splash with a few others that I knew would make it into my early culinary explorations.
Each day, the bottle of ginger caught my eye. With their slightly dusty finish and unique, rough shapes, the golden nuggets resemble a pile of treasure from a lucky prospector’s pay dirt. My first taste of the little gems revealed a soft texture, just enough sweetness and the aromatic flavor from the Australian ginger root.
One evening while cooking dinner, my attention was inexplicably called to the jar of ginger pieces and I knew that they must find their way into a blond, cookie bar. I pulled the necessary ingredients out of the pantry, (my favorite thing about Blondies is that you almost always have ingredients on hand), and made my first batch of Ginger Blondies.
I added a sprinkling of Spice Islands Ground Ginger to the batter so that my precious, crystallized nuggets would feel more at home in their new surroundings. The finished bars delivered the buttery heaven of a Blondie, a touch of warmth from the ground ginger and an occasional surprise when you discover a piece of Spice Islands Crystallized Ginger hidden within.
Try these alongside a cup of tea or after a big meal to help quench a sweet tooth and sooth your stomach. Even if you aren’t normally a ginger lover, just one bight you may catch the fever.
Click HERE for the Ginger Blondies recipe.
February 22nd, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Hi Caroline, Reached your site from babble.com. Loved my stay. Made me feel at home !! Wonderful recipes and sweome photos …Will be back !
February 22nd, 2012 at 3:55 pm
I’ve enjoyed your site for a long time, but now that you’re shilling for a specific product brand, I’m saddened to say I’ll be unsubscribing.
February 22nd, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Kelly, I am sorry that you feel this way. I have made no secret that I have been hired by Spice Islands to write for their blog. I agreed because I have always been a customer and fan of their products.
This post is actually from their blog that I share with my readers because I came up with the recipe and think it is especially yummy! Of course, you can use any brand of ginger in the recipe that you prefer.
February 22nd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
I cannot wait to make these. I have a ton of ground ginger in the drawer (accidental overbuy) and these look so fantastic.
February 23rd, 2012 at 2:40 pm
I have a BUNCH of crystalized ginger left over from Christmas cookies… I think these would be a perfect use. They look fantastic.
February 23rd, 2012 at 11:54 pm
I think Kelly was a little harsh. You do a terrific job don’t feel awkward or that you are doing anything unethical! Everyone knows you can use another brand. There is nothing wrong about plugging a product you use and like. The bars look excellent by the way…:)
February 24th, 2012 at 10:33 am
I have a package of crystallized ginger begging to be used. The blondies look delicious!
February 24th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
I agree with Renee. In life, we’re constantly telling friends about products or services we like. (“I love this new pair of X jeans!” “Have you tried X Restaurant?”) It’s how we expand our knowledge about what’s available in the world. Beautiful photo of the blondies.