Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More 200 Anytime Treats and Special Sweets for Morning to Midnight

Macadamia Fudge Squares Makes 4 dozen 2-inch squares AT A GLANCE Pan: 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan Pan Prep: Line with foil/butter Oven Temp: 375F Baking Time: 13 to 15 minutes Difficulty: * This pretty bar cookie is another play on a brownie. Dark brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon are perfect partners for the robust flavor of the chocolate. The top is generously sprinkled with macadamia nuts and has a chocolate webbed finish that's guaranteed to catch your eye. 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned in and leveled 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 cup (lightly packed)very freshdark brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 4 large eggs, well beaten 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups coarsely chopped, salted macadamia nuts 1 small recipe Midnight Chocolate Glaze (recipe follows) 1. Position the rack in the middle of the oven. Heat the oven to 375F. Line a 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and butter the foil. 2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, slowly melt the butter and the chocolate. Stir occasionally. Remove from the heat and, using a whisk, blend the brown sugar into the mixture, stirring until melted. Gradually mix in the granulated sugar. Stir in the eggs and the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. 4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing it with the back of a tablespoon. Sprinkle the surface with the macadamia nuts and press them gently into the batter. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the top is set and the bar begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.Do not overbake. The squares should remain slightly moist on the inside. (Note:If the batter rises in the pan during baking, prick the bubbles gently with a fork to release the air.) Remove from the oven and let stand until almost cool. 5. While the bar is cooling, make the glaze. To web the bar, dip a small whisk into the glaze and squiggle it across the pan. If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it with a littlevery hot water. Let stand until the glaze is set. 6. Carefully lift the bar from the pan by grasping the foil on both sides and place it on a large cutting board. Pull down the sides of the foil and cut into 2-inch squares using a thin-bladed, sharp knife. Storage: Store in an airtight container, layered between strips of wax paper, for up to 5 days. These cookies may be frozen. Midnight Chocolate Glaze Makes enough for one 10-inch Bundt cake or 9 x 13 x 2-inch coffee cake, or 16 to 18 muffins Here is a glaze that has a beautiful, glossy shine and wonderful, rich chocolate flavor. While I think the best results are achieved if the glaze is applied when it is made, it can be made ahead and either refrigerated or frozen. The glaze will keep its sheen for up to eight hours, depending on your room temperature and weather conditions. When I tested the recipe, it was impossible not to lick my fingers when scraping the pot clean. 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate, such as Lindt, finely chopped 1/4 cup strained powdered sugar 1 tablespoon Dutch-process cocoa powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice Pinch of salt 1 taWalter, Carole is the author of 'Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More 200 Anytime Treats and Special Sweets for Morning to Midnight', published 2007 under ISBN 9780307237552 and ISBN 0307237559.