Coconut, Walnut, and White Chocolate Blondies

"Life is uncertain, so always eat your dessert first."

Now, don't get me wrong, I love brownies as much as the next person.  But sometimes you want a change.  Enter blondies: soft, chewy, a little less rich but completely satisfying nonetheless.  These particular blondies are chock full of toasted walnuts, unsweetened coconut, and melty white chocolate.

1 cup walnuts
1.5 cups unsweetened, grated coconut
12 tablespoons unsalted butter (6 ounces)
1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (7.5 ounces)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1.5 cups dark brown sugar (10.5 ounces)
2 extra large eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 ounces white chocolate

Picnic Menu: Egg Salad and Tomato Arugula Salad

Is there anything as wonderful as a picnic on a warm summer day?  Keep the salads cold with a large ice pack, and don't forget the fuzzy blanket.

Peach Shortcakes

"An apple is an excellent thing - until you have tried a peach."

This is one of my new favorite desserts.  The biscuits are close to perfection: dense and extremely moist, with just a touch of sweetness.  Peaches, both sliced and mashed, mingle perfectly with the light and airy whipped cream.  To break from the usual cake, cookie, pie routine, these shortcakes are fabulous.

2 pounds peaches
9 tablespoons sugar (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons orange juice
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (4 ounces)
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (14 ounces)
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon table salt
2/3 cup buttermilk, cold
1 extra large egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract