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Blueberry Almond Squares

Think Dessert First!

It's summertime, and you know what that means: plenty of parkside picnics and backyard barbeques—the ones you're invited to and the ones you host.

What to bring? What to make?

Don't sweat it—just think "dessert first." Plan on the meal ending on a sweet note and everything else will fall into place. It's what we call "dessert matching": choosing a dessert that complements the menu, and vice versa. For example, with a buffet, as summer parties tend to be, you'll want a dessert that (a) doesn't require last-minute preparation, (b) won't fall apart on a hot day, and (c) will provide satisfying balance to the bounty that precedes it. A little mess is no problem—in fact, it's part of the fun!

Here are some of our favorite ideas for easy, tempting summer party desserts to bring along or serve your guests. We've also asked two of the nation's top baking authorities, James Beard Award Winner Emily Luchetti and cookbook author Carolyn Weil, to share their tips on dessert planning and stress-free entertaining. Have a favorite recipe or tip of your own? Let us know!

When You're the Guest

Cherry Bonbon Cookies

A platter of cookies in different shapes, textures, and colors is easy to prepare and pack. Blueberry Almond Squares, made with seasonal fresh blueberries, are quick and easy to make and brimming with fruit flavor. Cherry Bonbon Cookies have a sweet surprise on top—a chocolate-covered fresh cherry. Kid-Friendly Gingersnaps, rolled in granulated sugar, are just spicy enough. And chocolate-filled Coconut Joys are the ultimate summer cookie—no baking required!

Bar cookies are perennial favorites. Bring them in their pan, pre-scored, and invite everyone to cut his or her own bar. Sweet Cherry Blondies make the most of seasonal fruit, combining cherries with toasted pecans for a sweet, crunchy treat. Lemon-Lime Squares are tangy and refreshing on a hot afternoon. Or try Utterly Peanut Buttery Bars—a C&H Sugar Baking Contest winner—with their secret peanut-butter filling.

Pound cake's firm texture makes it ideal for warm days. Decorate Classic Pound Cake with Warm Lemon Sauce with fresh blackberries and mint sprigs for a pretty presentation. Or try this: Bake our Velvet Pound Cake and cut it into cubes. Arrange in a glass bowl with berries, grapes, and whipped cream for an instant—and impressive—"trifle."

When You're the Host

Sweet Cherry Blondies

Cookbook author Carolyn Weil also recommends mixing and matching textures for variety. "Texture contrast is important," says Carolyn. "Mix crunchy and creamy components throughout the meal. If you serve a creamy soup, try a dessert with a crisp texture and snappy flavor."

The season can also inspire dessert ideas. During warm summer months, make your party fun, festive, and frosty. Chilled desserts, homemade ice cream, and assemble-your-own treats are sure to please.

Freeze in advance … and entertain relaxed. Apricot Parfait is frozen overnight in a shallow glass dish. For a cooler slice of pie, try Mandarin Orange Pie, which requires no baking and can be made the day before the party.

Homemade ice cream and sorbet is a snap if you have an ice-cream maker. Blueberry Lemon Sorbet can be made with fresh or frozen berries and garnished with thin strips of lemon. Peach Pistachio Ice Cream uses peak-of-the-season fruit; leave out the nuts for a smoother texture. Even easier is granita, which requires no special equipment—just sweetened fruit juice and your refrigerator's freezer compartment. Lemon Granita and Cranberry Granita are two refreshing alternatives.

Ice cream sandwiches are an easy and fun make-ahead treat. Bake the cookies and make (or buy) the ice cream, then scoop the ice cream between two cookies, smoosh them together, and place them in the freezer until you're ready to serve. Some tasty combinations to try: Orange Oatmeal Cookies with chocolate ice cream; Unbelievable Peanut Butter Cookies with caramel swirl ice cream; Marbled Chocolate Chip Cookies with coffee ice cream.

And remember… "easy does it" is the best recipe for summer fun. When it doubt, keep it simple. Pick up some fresh strawberries, peaches, or plums from your grocery store or local produce stand and let them inspire you. At outdoor barbeques, Carolyn Weil recommends grilling fruit and serving it with pound cake. She also likes this summertime variation on the classic peach melba: heat ripe peach halves on the grill and serve with vanilla ice cream and your favorite raspberry sauce. Even easier: simply sprinkle fresh berries with sugar and serve them up. You can't go wrong!