dear cooks,

With the temperature dropping and the wind getting brisker, there’s nothing more comforting and soul-warming than delicious homebaked treats.

Carole Walter has just the recipe. From pound cakes and other quick breads to Danish and strudels, Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More features simple recipes for your favorite homemade goodies. Perfect for any number of occasions, from weekend brunch to coffee with friends, they are sure to receive rave reviews.

Carole shares foolproof recipes for everyday indulgences such as Butter Crumb Coffee Cake, Country Cherry Honey Scones, and Raspberry Buttermilk Muffins with Streusel Topping.

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: 375°F
• 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 fresh dark 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 375°F. 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 little very 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 tablespoon unsalted butter, soft

1. Place the water in a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and corn syrup, but do not stir. Cover and bring to a slow boil on medium-low heat. After 1 minute, check to see if any sugar crystals remain. If so, gently stir the mixture. Continue to cook the syrup uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes. (Large bubbles will form on the surface.)

2. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the chopped chocolate over the syrup. Push the chocolate gently into the syrup, but do not stir. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes, until the chocolate is melted, then stir gently with a small whisk.

3. When smooth, stir in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then blend in the vanilla, lemon juice, and salt. Stir gently with the whisk until smooth, then blend in the butter. If the glaze is not pourable, add 3 or 4 teaspoons of very hot water until the desired consistency is reached. Note: This glaze is best used immediately.

Storage: Leftover glaze can be refrigerated for several weeks. This glaze may be frozen. To use, reheat, adding very hot water to thin the glaze as needed.

happy cooking!

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