Congo Chewies (Congo Bars)

Congo Chewies, also known as Blondies in the Southeastern country, is one of the best foods in Gabon with recipe. They are chewy in the center and crispy on the outside. It is comparable to a chocolate chip cookie, except it is larger and thicker. As the name implies, this treat is not an authentic Gabonese delicacy; but, if you want something quick and light for breakfast during your Gabon trip, this is the one to try. Each bite will be divine. This delicacy is fairly simple to make; you will only need basic ingredients to form a great piece of Congo Bars. When you bite into this cuisine, you can taste sugar, butter, flour, eggs, and chocolate chips. Sometimes the charm is in the simplicity.

Although these delectable sweets originated in the Congo, they are popular in many African cuisines. There are several ideas as to where the name came from - who knows which one is correct? Some attribute the name of these thick cookie bars to the "Congo Room" in Las Vegas, while others attribute it to "Congo Square" in New Orleans. Others claim it's called after the African country of Congo, owing to the peculiar (and completely optional) cookie bar ingredient, crushed coconut.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup salted butter, 2 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 large eggs (room temperature), 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup dark chocolate chips, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325F, with rack on lower middle position. Grease and flour a 13x9 pan and set aside.
  In the bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and stir until combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using rubber spatula, fold butter mixture with flour mixture just until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips.
• Press dough into prepared pan, using spatula to even out the surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or just until top is lightly browned. It should look puffy, soft, and golden. Center will still be soft.
• Cool bars completely. Cut into squares. Store leftovers in airtight container at room temp.