Healthy Vegan - Parsnip White Chocolate Blondies

I created these Parsnip White Chocolate Blondies last week during the working week, when I came home mentally exhausted and wanted some creative outlet.  I went to the kitchen and did some baking. The idea for putting parsnips in  White Chocolate Blondies came to me a little while back, when I made Parsnip , Berry and Hazelnut Crumble, Parsnip Porridge, Sweet Parsnip Pie with Edible Flowers and Parsnip Creme Brulee, but I never had time to put it into practice.  

D was impatient and wanted to eat them warm, I had to smack him with the back of a wooden spoon on the hands to say be patient to let them cool down before removing from the baking tin. Truth is, wee were both impatient.  Then came the moment we had a piece each.  I marvelled at how white it was, often cakes on baking turn that rusty gold. Then I popped it into my mouth. These homemade Parsnip White Chocolate Blondies were not as sickly sweet as the White Chocolate Blondies I made in the past, these were just right and still sweet, soft and squidgy.  

As delicious as it was, I could only eat one piece of this Parsnip White Chocolate Brownie, D had two pieces.  He was very happy.  I asked him if he could taste the parsnips.  He said if I had not been told about it I don't think I would know, but the fact I saw you putting them in I do know they are there.  I said okay.  I will share some with my work colleagues and not tell them there is parsnips in these and see what they think? 

When I offered some of my work colleagues a Blondie, they looked at me a little dismayed. Some immediately thinking of the Band Blondie fronted by awesome Debbie Harry and some were honest, they had never even heard of a Blondie, so were surprised to note that the Chocolate Brownie had a white chocolate version.  

Well they were all pleasantly surprised when I told them these White Chocolate Blondies had grated parsnips in them.  Only one could detect a slight graininess and thought perhaps it was lentils,; and one described it to being akin to the South Asian sweet Burfi.

I think once you are made aware that there are some hidden vegetables in these Blondies and more specifically that its parsnips, you can taste it.  I wouldn't tell people at first that there are Parsnips in these White Chocolate Blondies, unless of course they truly have a real aversion to it and then see how surprised they are in themselves at how much they've enjoyed a piece - so maybe they can be converted to liking parsnips, like me.

I am sharing some of these Parsnip White Chocolate Blondies with Hijacked by Twins. and Jibber Jabber Love Cake event. 

Parsnip White Chocolate Blondies
Ingredients
Makes 9 large pieces or 25 morsels
200grams butter
200grams - 300grams white chocolate, broken into pieces
3 eggs
140grams caster sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
200grams parsnips, grated
200grams plain flour, sifted
Pinch of salt
Optional: Icing sugar for dusting
Method
Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/180oc. 
Line a square baking tin 18 x 28cm and line the base with non stick sheet. 
In a bain marie, (or bowl suspended over a pot with water in it ) melt the butter with 150grams of white chocolate allow to melt, moving it around with a spatula.  
Remove from the heat to cool a little.
In a bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and vanilla, then gently stir in the grated parsnips.
Then the melted buttery white chocolate. 
Carefully fold in the flour and salt, then throw in the remaining chocolate.  
Pour carefully into the baking tin and bake for 20 minutes or until the top becomes firm, but it it still soft inside. 
Allow to cool, before slicing and dusting with optional icing sugar.