Food pairings don’t get much better than peanut butter and chocolate. This recipe is a favorite of mine for a number of reasons. First, there’s no baking involved, which makes this a great treat to make on hot summer days. Second, it’s simple to execute — the bars use only a handful of ingredients. Additionally, it’s kid-friendly, if you’re looking for recipes to get the little ones involved in the kitchen. Most of all? The bars are delicious and fun, and I’m always asked for the recipe when I bring them to a gathering or function.

I made these shortbread bars again just a couple of weeks ago for a family gathering. It’s a relatively simple recipe, and is a great dish when you’re looking for something that can be made ahead of time. And it’s a great combination of flavors: the shortbread is rich and buttery, with just the right light and flaky texture, topped with a dark and nutty caramel glaze. A dusting of coarse sea salt gives the bars a nice, savory crunch. The bars will keep, refrigerated, for one week.

When the season hands you amazing fruit, sometimes the best way to show it off is also one of the most simple — a fresh fruit pie. At least that’s how I’ve always felt, particularly during the summer months when the markets and produce aisles are a veritable rainbow of tender berries and fragrant stone fruits.