Crossword Genius

Leaves them all alone, eating half of the cake and sweet treats (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

macaroons

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'leaves them all alone eating half' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'the cake and sweet treats' is the wordplay.
'the cake' becomes 'macaroon' (macaroon is a kind of cake).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'sweet treats' becomes 's' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'macaroon'+'s'='MACAROONS'

'of' is the link.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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