These lemon bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tart in a lovely little bar cookie. I like to make these lemon bars in the summertime, because they make a refreshing dessert that isn't too heavy. These lemon bars are also a great take-along for picnics and potlucks (just don't leave them out in the sun too long or they will melt).

Lemon Bars image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

When I told the kids I was making Chicken Pesto Pizza the other night, their response was, shall we say, less than enthusiastic. So I did what I always do when I make a main dish I'm not sure the kids will like: I added lots of stuff to the meal, like sliced fresh cantaloupe, baby carrots and leftover flank steak. They didn't touch the flank steak. They scarfed down this pizza in about two minutes flat and looked at me like I was insane for not making more.

Huh?

I mean it's not like I was feeding them octopus or something. I knew they should like it. It was just rotisserie chicken, French bread, cheese and pesto. What's not to like? But the way they complained about it in advance, you'd think I was asking them to eat fried worms. Just goes to show you can't predict what kids will and won't eat.

French Bread Pizza image by Carrie Sypes ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

This chocolate chip cookie recipe has a secret ingredient: cream cheese. It makes these chocolate chip cookies soft and chewy. I like dark chocolate chips, but feel free to use semisweet or milk chocolate chips if that's what your family prefers. These chocolate chip cookies make great lunch box treats.

Chocolate Chip Cookies image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

There is nothing like a decadent breakfast to make you feel like it is truly the weekend. This Peanut Butter French Toast Recipe definitely qualifies as decadent. Thick slices of challah or Italian bread are smeared with peanut butter then bathed in a creamy egg custard and grilled. Powdered sugar and maple syrup are the perfect finish for this incredible French toast recipe.

Peanut Butter French Toast image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Blueberry-picking is one of my favorite summertime activities with the kids. Probably because it gets them away from the pool, the iPod and all the other distractions of modern life. It's old-fashioned. And a little messy. What could be better?

When we're finished munching on blueberries out of hand, I like to make this Blueberry Cobbler. The simple, biscuit topping is far easier than making blueberry pie and just as tasty. Serve with whipped cream.

Blueberry Cobbler image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

The thing about making zucchini pancakes is you have to get all the water out of the zucchini before cooking the pancakes. Otherwise, the zucchini pancakes don't get nice and crispy.

Check out these great ways to use up that bumper crop of zucchini, too:

• Oven Fried Zucchini
• Zucchini Bread Recipe
• Polenta with Zucchini

Zucchini Pancakes image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

When Adam Roberts of the Amateur Gourmet posted his rendition of Ina Garten's Roasted Broccoli, he called his post The Best Broccoli of Your Life. I'm inclined to agree. Roasting the broccoli until it carmelizes is an excellent start. Tossing it with lemon juice, lemon zest, toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese can't be bad, as Ina would say. So I'm not going to compete with that. But I will offer another take on a similar theme.

This broccoli recipe is also roasted, but it has an Asian flavor, thanks to the soy sauce and red pepper flakes. Don't worry if the kids won't eat spicy food. You're only used a 1/4 teaspoon. If they are really sensitive to hot foods, just leave out the red pepper flakes. (But honestly, I would still give it a try. That's just me.)

Tossing with peanuts for the second half of the roast is just genius in my book. (Hey, if I don't say I'm smart, nobody else will!).

Really. Try the broccoli. Let me know what you think. Post a comment here or in the forums.

Roasted Broccoli image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Okay, I have to apologize. I really needed to get a picture of this peach pie before I served it, but the kids were clamoring for it, so I cut it quickly (too quickly because it started oozing), topped it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (which, in my book is the only right way to serve pie) and snapped a picture as fast as I could. It isn't pretty, but the peach pie is darned good. Make some tonight and see if you don't agree.

Peach Pie image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Amid a sea of i-Pods and i-Phones and DSes and other gadgets and gizmos to capture our kids' attention, there are a few old-fashioned summertime activities that hold allure for the goobers. Turns out making homemade lemonade and selling it to passersby, whether in the neighborhood or at an event is one that ranks high among the kids. Try it yourself with these step-by-step directions for making lemonade.

Lemonade image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Planning a summer picnic or backyard BBQ? This Mustard Potato Salad Recipe deserves a place at the table. The perfect partner for everything from fried chicken to burgers, this potato salad has a sweet, slightly spicy, flavor that appeals to everyone.

Mustard Potato Salad image by Stephanie Gallagher ©2009, licensed to About.com Inc.