Michelle Darmody: Tray bakes are simple buy delicious

THERE is an ease and comfort to making tray bakes, the final creation will not be on display so there always seems to be less pressure. Whatever you bake will be sliced up before serving so there is always a margin of error. Any of these tray bakes can be prepared a day in advance and either cut when cooled or before you serve them.

Brownies can be divisive. I know people who enjoy them when they are baked for less time and allowed to stay really squishy and sticky. I had others come into the cafe and insist on ordering a crustier, firmer brownie, from the edge of the tin. It is a matter of personal taste, so experiment with the length of baking time to see what you like best. Also, ovens vary, and cooking times will be different in each one.