Easy Memorial Day Treats

I absolutely love Memorial Day Weekend.  It's possibly one of my most favorite holidays.  There's just something about the smell of sunblock, chlorine and the bright sunshine that makes all the world feel right.  Our family lives in the pool for the entire summer and very seldom leave it, but when we do it's time to eat!  No one likes to spend their days cooking, instead of enjoying some fun in the sun, so here are some easy recipes that will have you back in the pool in no time.  :o)

Cream Cheese Dipped Strawberries

These strawberries are perfect for memorial day.  You can't beat dipped strawberries, but when you add the festive sprinkles, it's almost too much...especially for the kids!!!




1 quart fresh strawberries
3 oz. cream cheese (low fat is okay)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2-4 Tbsp. milk
red, white and blue sprinkles

Wash strawberries and dry with a paper towel. Leave stems on.
With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Beat in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached -- it should be thin enough to dip, but thick enough to set on the strawberries.
Pour sprinkles into a small bowl.
Holding the stem, dip each strawberry into the sweetened cream cheese mixture. Make sure the berries are well-coated with the cream cheese mixture, but leave about 1/4 of the berry tops showing.
Gently roll berries in sprinkles to coat on all sides.
Enjoy!

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

This cake is super easy and kids absolutely love to help make this cake!!!

20 ice cream sandwiches (regular, strawberry or Neapolitan)
1 12 oz. jar hot fudge sauce
1 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
red, white and blue sprinkles

Cut one ice cream sandwich in half. Place one whole ice cream sandwich and one half of an ice cream sandwich side by side across the short end of a 9 x 13 pan.
Next to those ice cream sandwiches, arrange 8 more ice cream sandwiches lengthwise, to cover the bottom of the pan.
Place hot fudge sauce in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Spread half of the sauce over the ice cream sandwiches.
Top with half of the whipped topping.
Repeat layers: ice cream sandwiches, hot fudge sauce and whipped topping. Scatter sprinkles over top.
Freeze, uncovered 2 hours. Cover with foil and freeze another hour.

Fabulous Grilled Hamburgers

Of course no summer day would be perfect without the hamburger!!!  Here's how I get mine ready for the grill...they are super delicious!  The key is to make the patties the night before, or up to a week before and freeze them.  Then you can just plop them on the grill!  :o)  How easy is that?



Combine the following ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded Colby or Monterrey Jack cheese
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

"I've Got The Blues" Macaroni Salad

Also, you can't go wrong with this Macaroni Salad made with Kraft Mac & Cheese.  There is not a kid in the world that can resist it.  I've got a picky eater and she loves it!




1 (7 1/4 oz.) pkg. Kraft macaroni and cheese

10 oz. pkg. frozen peas
1 med. tomato, chopped
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
6 hard-cooked eggs, chopped (less may be used)
Prepare mix according to directions on package. Add frozen peas. Stir and add rest of ingredients. Chopped green pepper may be added, if desired. Chill before serving.


I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as my family has.  The time spent with family is the best part... but it even better  if the food is totally awesome!!!  :o)


*Remember...your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!