Bars - Squares - Filled

A buttery shortbread base is the throne to a special caramel filling all topped off with a yet another unique chocolate triumphurate crown. No wonder these are Millionaire Bars –they are a treasure. Forget about the economy, breathe in and out, and munch on one of these. Makes 24 ‘shares’. I’ve been perfecting this recipes for ages but January 2009 seems just the right time to decant it before it goes back in the vault.

These are so good you’ll hear about it from Kilkarney to Kildare to Kansas. It’s not the pipes are are a-callin’ ya –it’s the sinfully decadent brownie with the kiss of the Irish in it. You can use Bailey’s Irish Cream in these or O’Casey’s Irish Cream. Irish cream liqueur is a blend of Irish whisky, with pure Irish cream, and touches of vanilla. Classic Bailey’s Irish Cream now comes in a chocolate or caramel tinged version but the classic is what you need in this recipe. (Irish Cream is pure Irish whisky, with pure Irish cream, and vanilla, among other things – it is heavenly) This is a brownie which is about the best brownie on its own. Then you doll it up with a unique Irish Cream ganache which looks like icing but tastes like a molten truffle. Then, if you are in love or just want to be extra nice to those around you and want to go the distance, you offer a puddle of warm sticky toffee sauce on the side. You have three options and all will bring you luck and your own entourage. It’s a baker thing. (For gift giving, bring the sticky toffee stuff in a jar and just box up the brownies, with the special Irish Cream frosting and a shamrock).

Holy Parthanon! I guess this is not quite-so-classic. What are oranges, lemons and limes doing in this buttery, decadent baklavah? My (Greek) friend Cheryl Doxas revealed her secret flavors in thi sumptuous baklavah. Find great honey (clover or orange blossom) instead of supermarket honey which has little taste. Filo pastry makes a hero out of any baker. In minutes, you can assemble this buttery, sweet, Greek treat that will having you dancing Zorba around the kitchen. A nutty duo is another flavor boost. This serves a crowd and lasts for ages (conservationally speaking - not as per appetite)

Inspired by a New York minute, these are dense, chewy, and rife with a caramel/brown sugar taste. Butterscotch and white chocolate chips, or a heady load of Lindt bittersweet and a clutch of toasted pecans would put these block buster bars over the top.

There are fudge brownies and fudge icing brownies. These are brownies topped with real fudge that is poured on before it sets. Can you imagine? Find someone you love and share. This recipe is appearin briefly so grab it while you can. You can also make a half recipe if you prefer.

Knock-out bars of brown sugar batter, stuffed with chocolate chips and thick chunks of Oreos. Get the milk. These are incredibly rich and good and exploding with the taste of 'buddah' as one of my testers exclaimed. Outrageous is the best word for these.

Forget fiddlin’ with tarts – this approach to this decadent sweetie (making them into squares or bars) makes for fast finger food you can tote to the beach. Think of a butter tart as pecan pie without the pecans. Most butter tart recipes take raisins, so feel free to add them in but these are sublime without them and have a smoother texture for their omission. Use the BB Classics Pie Dough (free recipe) or storebought if you are in a hurry. Just in time for Canada Day or anytime you want to create a decadent, easy, classic treat from Marcy Goldman at www.Betterbaking.com. This recipe is free all week so dig in!