The best thing to do during the summer months is take things outside and use your grill. Juicy burgers and steaks are summer staples, my mouth waters just thinking about them. You can grill your favorite vegetables, too! Instead of pasta, try spiralizing zucchini, squash or sweet potatoes. You can even grill summer fruit like peaches, pineapple or watermelon. The grilling process can caramelize the natural sugar, making them even more sweet and delightful.
Summer is the time for salads, fruity desserts, and frosty drinks. It is great to have lemonade or iced tea on hand so I make a pitcher or two a week. What I enjoy even more is whipping up some frosty margaritas, daiquiris or Pina Coladas. Here’s a tip: you can use your leftover berries to make pies or jam!
This dessert or snack is perfect for summer because you do not need to use your oven. These Special K bars are almost too easy to make. Inside is peanut butter combined with sweet delights like maple syrup and honey, then it is topped with a chocolatey shell. Are you drooling yet? Just place it in the fridge and you have a crunchy, enticing surprise that no one will be able to pass up!
This recipe is courtesy of Half Baked Harvest, by Tieghan Gerard. All of her recipes are so special. This one will make 18 to 20 bars, and trust me it is impossible to just have one!
Ingredients for Mom’s Special K Bars
Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup sugar
6 heaping cups cornflakes
3 to 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.
In a large pot, combine the peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, and sugar.
Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar has dissolved about 5 minutes – be careful not to let the peanut butter burn.
Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the cornflakes.
Spread the mixture unto the prepared baking dish.
Put the chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Spread the melted chocolate in an even layer over the peanut butter-cornflake mixture.
Tap the pan against the counter to smooth if needed.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to harden for at least 2 hours.
Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before serving.
Cut into bars and devour.
It’s that simple!
(How cute are these dogs dishes I just bought?!)
