Bar Cookie

Mexican chocolate, usually found in tablet form, contains cinnamon, sugar, and ground almonds — as do these fudgy squares.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 3 3/4 hr (includes cooling)

In this recipe, dense chocolate cake is topped with a glaze made from raspberry jam and chocolate-fresh berries are the finishing touch. This dessert is elegant picnic fare: Prepare the bars a day ahead, and pack in a covered container.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

English toffee enhances both the cake and topping of this delicious treat.

A staple in some Texas bakeries, Chile Brownies are spicy and sweet, a combination perhaps unfamiliar to, well, other folks (aka Yankees). While kids might prefer simpler brownies, these have a peppery kick many grown-ups adore. We didn't skimp on the chocolate by an ounce. These brownies would be perfect after a barbecue dinner, a fajita supper, or a chile cook-off.

This classic cookie combines two of my favorite sweets: buttery-tender Scottish shortbread and satiny lilting English lemon curd. The problem has always been getting a firm enough topping and avoiding a soggy shortbread base. The special technique discovered for this recipe virtually guarantees success. The clean, refreshing flavor of lemon makes these the perfect sweets to follow a rich Christmas goose.

Similar in texture to lemon bars, these have a shortbread cookie base and a delightful tropical fruit filling.