Apple-Toffee Blondies

3/4 c granulated sugar

2/3 c brown sugar

1 1/4 tsp apple pie spice

1/2 c butter, softened

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/3 c all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cups tart apple, peeled and chopped

1/2 c toffee bits

1/2 c chopped pecans (optional)

- Preheat oven to 350. Coat an 11 x 7 x 2 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

- Beat sugar, brown sugar and apple pie spice in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed until mixed well. Remove 2 tbs sugar mixture to small bowl. Set aside.

- Add butter to mixing bowl and beat until mixed well. Add eggs and vanilla; mix throughly.

- In medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to egg mixture, beating until well-blended. Fold in apple, toffee and (if desired) pecans. Spread into prepared pan.

- Sprinkle with reserved sugar mixture. Bake 35-40 minutes or until top is deep golden brown and wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely. Cut into 15 squares to serve.