Iced Amaretto Blondies

It's just about Valentine's Day, y'all. It's the time of year when everything turns pink and is covered in hearts. Even cookies are dressed up with frills and romantic colors to go with the season. For some, chocolate takes center stage for this holiday. To me, there's another ingredient that comes to mind; amaretto.

My fiance has been giving me the gift of Amaretto di Amore for many years now and for many different holidays. I have tried different brands and types of amaretto, but this variety is my favorite. It's a romantic drink to me, as the packages it comes in usually has a story about two lovers on it. Also, you can often find it sold with a pair of drinking vessels. And on top of that, it just tastes like everlasting love...

Chris has been giving me bottles of this heavenly beverage for many years now. When contemplating what to create for the lizz delicious blog in honor of Valentine's Day, my first thought was a dish using my favorite liqueur! I debated between sugar cookies, cupcakes, and shortbread, but blondies just seem to be my thing. And they really did turn out awesomely. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

For the blondies:
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
3 tablespoons Amaretto di Amore
1 tablespoon soymilk
2/3 cups turbinado sugar
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For icing:
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Amaretto di Amore
1 tablespoon soymilk

DIRECTIONS
For the blondies, combine the sugar, amaretto, and soymilk in a large bowl. Mix with an electric or standing mixer for 2-3 minutes on medium speed until the ingredients are nicely whipped up. Add the remaining ingredients and combine thoroughly. Press the dough into an 8x8 inch baking pan that is lightly oiled. Smooth the top of the blondie flat with a silicone spatula. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. Let cool completely and remove from the pan before icing.
For the icing, sift the sugar into a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the amaretto and soymilk and stir with a fork or whisk until the powdered sugar is dissolved and you have a nice, creamy icing. If desired, add pink or red food coloring (to match the Valentine's Day holiday, of course). Pour the icing atop the blondie and spread over evenly. Let the frosting sit until hardened (you can do this in the refrigerator if you want). Also, for a prettier presentation, you can remove the edges when you cut the dessert into pieces. It's up to you!

Makes 6-9 servings.

Please note: The frosting does contain alcohol. Serve with your best judgement! I wouldn't recommend giving it to children, though the alcohol content will be minimal. Thank you!