Well it is official: John and I have moved into the new place! I wish I could say we were going to stick around and enjoy it (and relax–moving is exhausting!) but it’s Labor Day Weekend! And in our family, that means heading to the cabins! Every year Dad’s extended family rents cabins on a lake for the weekend; we all travel there (me from Boston, everyone else from New York) and spend a few luxurious days apple picking and enjoying each other’s company. We’ve been doing this as long as I can remember and it always celebrated the end of summer for me.

In our younger years, it meant that we had to go back to school the next week, but now, it just celebrates family and summer, and is one last great hurrah! Well, John is anticipating his school year beginning, but for me, it’s just a celebration! Of course, being with family also means taking home lots of apples and leftovers (like I didlast year). Since so much has happened this summer (graduations, first birthdays, and engagements), I’ve been fortunate enough to see the family a few times.

Although I made these at the height of the summer, I remade them for this weekend to bring to the family! I knew we’d be making real s’mores over the campfire, which is great for my many young cousins, but it’s fun to have something in the s’mores spirit for the adults, too! Plus, it’s a great fall recipe to use up any leftover s’mores ingredients (as if you still have any!) but also to celebrate the summer and get everyone in the back to school mood. Plus, on cooler days, it’s almost compelling to turn the oven on!

S’mores Brownie Bars
1 brownie mix (or a double batch of my brownies)
12 graham cracker squares
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbles
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 chocolate bar and additional graham crackers for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the brownie mix according to directions. Grease a 13×9 baking dish and line the bottom with graham cracker squares (it’s okay if it doesn’t fit perfectly, just don’t leave any very large cracks). Pour the brownie mix on top of the graham crackers and carefully spread until even. Top with graham cracker crumbles and bake 22-25 minutes until brownie is set. Then, preheat the oven to low broil and top the brownie layer with mini marshmallows. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (they brown quickly!). Remove. Immediately shove chocolate and graham cracker pieces into the brownie. Let cool. Once at room temperature, cut into bars. Place into an airtight container to store or serve immediately.