Bar cookies are the answer for every summer scenario. They require little fuss, they can feed a crowd, and unlike, say, a cake lavished in buttercream, they're easily transported to a picnic, cookout, or beach. While nobody will be disappointed to see a pan offudgy browniesor rich, gooeyblondies, summer is about freedom and exploration, so maybe it's time you raise the bar, so to speak. If you love blueberry pie, these jammyRye Blueberry Barsare the place to start. One dough is used for both the crust and as a streusel topping that's crumbled over the blueberry layer;rye flourbrings tenderness and a nutty flavor. Prefer rhubarb? Makethese, a blondie-like treat studded with white chocolate and ribboned with sweet-tart rhubarb; best of all, they're ready in an hour. For an ice cream-inspired bar that won't melt in the sun, try theseNeapolitan Cookie Bars, featuring two slightly cakey sugar cookie layers (vanillaand chocolate) topped with a pretty pink glaze made from fresh raspberries. And if you, like me, think that there is no dessert that epitomizes summer quite like s'mores, theseS'more Granola Barshave a graham crust topped with chocolate and gooey marshmallow. And unlike the classic campfire treat that inspired them, they're portable enough to pack for any summer adventure, from beach to boat to backyard. |