4. Add walnuts, baking soda and salt (and optional maple syrup) and blend once more until smooth and creamy. Use a tamper tool if need be; the batter becomes rather thick.
5. Pour batter into the prepared dish, using a spatula to scrape out the blender and smooth the top of the blondies.
6. Top with pecans and pop in the oven for 20-25 minutes: shorter if you like extra fudgy blondies and longer if you like them a little more well done.