DON’T FORGET DESSERT!

Brownies and bars are potluck staples for good reason: They’re quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy these two favorites.

Chewy Brownies INGREDIENTS

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 large eggs

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup walnuts, coarse chopped (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease an 8-by8-inch metal baking pan. With an electric mixer or whisk, beat the cocoa, sugar, vanilla, salt and hot melted butter for several minutes. In a wide but small bowl, whisk one egg at a time until it falls from the raised whisk like a ribbon. Beat each whisked egg into the batter for 1 to 2 minutes before adding the second egg. Fold in the flour using a broad spatula until just mixed. Gently fold in the nuts. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is slightly crusted and just a little of the batter sticks to a toothpick inserted in the center. Let the brownies cool completely, if you can, before cutting.

Perfectly portioned, these brownies are awesome frozen, brought to room temperature or warmed in the microwave.

RECIPE COURTESY OF CHEF LIBBY MILLS

Lemon Squares INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter

2 cups flour

½ cup confectioners’ sugar 2 cups sugar

¼ cup flour

½ teaspoon baking powder 4 eggs

2 teaspoons grated lemon peel 1/3 cup lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix together first three ingredients. Press into 9-by11-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Cool. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over baked shell. Bake the whole thing for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Top will puff and then fall. Cool. Cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar. Keep in refrigerator.

RECIPE COURTESY OF KATHY’S JUST DESSERTS