How To: Cut Lemon Diamonds

1. Grasp both pieces of parchment paper and lift paper and bars from pan. Place on a cutting surface.
   
   
2. Even out any rough edges on the bars, trimming about ¼” from all four sides.
   
   
3. Starting at one corner, cut diagonal strips across the pan that are 1 ½” or 2 inches wide.
   
   
4. The next cuts run from one end of the pan to the other, lengthwise. Make each cut the same width, 1 ½” or 2 inches—you should get four to five cuts across the pan.
   
   
5. Lift out the diamonds and enjoy!

Columns to Savor
Catherine Christensen

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Decadent Cream Pies

Favorite Cakes for Summer Picnics, Barbecues, and Scrumptious Eating.

Glorious Cheesecake: Old-School Secret Recipe, Key Lime, and Chocolate-Mint Swirl Cheesecake.

Luscious Layers: Terrine, Classic and
Cooked Tiramisù, and Trifle.

Ganache!

Breakfast!

Easy Holiday Cookies Plus a Festive Dried Cherry and Amaretto Nut Bread.

Fresh Pumpkin.

Quick Breads and Muffins.

Classic and Simple Fruit Pan Desserts.

Pies and Tarts.

Read more about Catherine Christensen.

Baking Expert
Catherine Christiansen

Cookie Bars

Doris' Blonde Brownies
Lemon Diamonds
Chocolate Peppermint Bars

On the surface, bar cookies may appear simple and homey, but these streamlined delights can deliver a sophisticated level of presentation and flavor.

While preparation goes by the book, presentation can lead to invention. Go beyond cutting in simple squares; slice the squares in half diagonally and make an elegant plate by propping one triangle up against the other.  Or try the diamond approach, making each bar a faceted treat. If you take one of these routes, trim the rough edges for personal consumption and share the perfect angles with your guests.

As for glam flavor, Doris’ Blonde Brownies call for simmering the butter until it’s a sweet, nutty light brown to add an extra depth to classic blondies. The addition of bittersweet chocolate and toasted pecans or toffee chips further ups the savoir-faire.
With Lemon Diamonds, fresh juice and zest provide the squeakiest, squeeziest lemon flavor, while a bit of milk and sugar keep it succulent rather than sour.

Chocolate Peppermint Squares kept my sister and myself in party invitations throughout high school, despite the fact that we were certified nerds. That last layer of dark, unsweetened chocolate keeps the bars from being too sweet, while increasing the desire for another.

Barbara Adams Beyond Wonderful features large recipe collections of full-proof quick and easy recipes, classic family favorites, global cuisine, and party ideas. Get illustrated cooking tips and techniques,cooking for beginners, food features, and expert advice on baking, cheese, produce, and wine.

Barbara Adams, Recipe Collections, Quick and Easy Recipes, Party Ideas, Global Cuisine, How To Cooking Tips and Techniques. Culinary experts featuring Catherine Christensen's monthly baking column.