Double Chocolate Diamonds Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Using a stand mixer, combine the butter, sugar and 1/3 of the vanilla bean's seeds. Divide the mixture in half and remove one half from the mixing bowl. To the remaining half, add the cocoa powder, scant 3 cups of the cake flour and another 1/3 of the vanilla bean's seeds while mixer is on. Mix and remove from the bowl. Place the other half back in the mixing bowl and add the remaining 3 cups cake flour, the remaining 1/3 vanilla bean's seeds and the cinnamon. Place both doughs in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• Remove the 2 doughs from the refrigerator. It may be necessary to beat the dough with a rolling pin to soften the butter and make the dough more pliable. Roll the chocolate dough into a rope about 3/4-inch in diameter. Roll the white dough about 2 inches in diameter and the same length as the chocolate rope. Trim one side of the dough to create a straight edge. Using a pastry brush, spread a little water on top of the white dough. The moisture will help the dough stick together. Place the chocolate rope on top and roll the white dough around it. Trim a straight edge where the doughs meet. Close the seam with a little more water. If the dough is too soft, place in the refrigerator or freezer until firm.
• Barely wet the surface of the rolled dough and roll it in granulated sugar. Using a sharp chef's knife, make 1/2-inch slices. Place the slices on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
• In a medium bowl, cream together the margarine, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder; mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips. Roll tablespoonfuls of cookie dough into balls and place them 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
• Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line bottom and sides of 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan with foil. Coat with no-stick cooking spray.
• Beat shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar in large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until creamy. Beat in eggs and almond extract until smooth. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix at low speed just until combined. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
• Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack while preparing chocolate layer.
• Place chocolate chips in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute. Stir. Microwave in 15 seconds intervals until melted and smooth. Stir in hot fudge topping. Microwave on HIGH 15 seconds. Spread over warm baked bars. Sprinkle with walnuts. Chill 1 hour or until chocolate layer is firm.
• Lift bars from pan with foil and place on cutting board. Cut into diamonds by cutting on the diagonal from corner to corner both directions forming a large "X". Beginning at one center cut, make 1 1/2-inch parallel diagonal cuts on both sides. Repeat with other center cut to form diamonds. Store in refrigerator.