Results of 2005 holiday bake-a-thon: favorite apron trashed, weeklong bellyache, eviction threatened by landlord for nearly burning down building.

Action item for 2006: Get to Clairesquares and call it a day.

Claire Keane started baking her unique four-sided treats — not quite a cookie, not really a brownie — as a lass in County Cork, Ireland. From bottom to top, the all-natural cookie bars are a buttery shortbread base, a slather of toothsome caramel (made extra gooey by slow cooking in small batches), and a layer of milk or dark Belgian chocolate.

A five-pack is the perfect stocking stuffer and easily meets the budget constraints of your office’s Secret Santa. Even sweeter, Keane bakes at La Cocina, a nonprofit community kitchen that helps low-income food entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses.

So while you’re at it, order some for your landlord to put out any flames from last year.

Clairesquares (415-722-2080 or clairesquares.com).