6 Memorial Day Desserts to Drool Over!
Ever since I was a kid nothing made me happier than the beginning of summer. In those days, kids stayed home and played outdoors. The neighborhood kids would get together and play hide ‘n seek, run through the sprinkler or go Slip ‘n Slide, ride bikes together and even ride on the side walk to the park – alone, which might be 4-5 blocks away. We’d play baseball in someone’s yard, go swimming, wash cars, wash dogs, and play hopscotch.
You name it, if we could come up with an idea, we did it.
I can even remember on 2 occasions having a carnival in my backyard and selling tickets, then donating the dollars we earned to a charity.
On rainy days my mom would load all the neighborhood kids in her station wagon – back then seat belts didn’t exist. We’d be packed in like sardines to go to a matinee to see a double feature that cost a whopping .25 cents. It’s hard to believe!
Of course, it’s so much different today. If your kids aren’t in summer camp, they’re typically hanging out by themselves when everyone else is off all day at camp, or for the summer at an away camp. What ever happened to the good old days, when life was carefree?
With the onset of summer a Memorial Day celebration was a highlight. Family and friends would all join together in someone’s backyard for a BBQ with lots of sides, and baked goods brought by everyone. It was like a smorgasbord, and so much fun for everyone! We even played games!!!
This coming weekend be a little nostalgic, and throw a Memorial celebration in your backyard. Invite guests to pitch in and bring their favorite dish either from their childhood or today. Encourage everyone to make their own, not store bought, and come up with creative outdoor games for children and adults to play. Have a bucket for everyone to ditch their cell phones in (turn them all off) and actually connect with those in your presence. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU ACTUALLY DID THAT?
Below are a couple of treats everyone in my family has enjoyed – young and old. Plus everyone can pitch in to make them.
The first is a Frozen Fruit Salad that’s perfect on a hot summers day and can easily be placed in Push-Pops or little Dixie Cups with a stick in them.
The second are a favorite of mine – Frozen Smore’s. I’ve included the video that I posted a couple years ago during the 4th of July, but they’re ideal for any outdoor celebration.
If that’s not enough, here are some other great treats you can bring that are sure to be a hit. Remember simple fresh fruit and slices of watermelon are always refreshing and light.
Triple Layer Orgasmic Brownies
Chocolate Triple Decker Bar Sundae
Later this week I’ll share some sides you might like to bring………………………By the way, what are you planning for your Memorial Day celebration?
Here’s my Frozen Fruit Salad……………………………
Frozen Fruit Salad or Push-Pops
A refreshing summer treat that's quick and easy to whip up!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large can frozen orange juice
- 1 large can crushed pineapple
- 1 large can sliced peaches
- 1 large can fruit cocktail, drained
- 1 (10 oz.) package strawverries, frozen
- 6-8 bananas, sliced
Directions:
- Boil water and sugar for 3 minutes
- Removed from heat and mix in 1 large can of frozen orange juice.
- Add crushed pineapple, sliced peaches, fruit cocktail, strawberries, and bananas. Mix well.
- Pour all into a large container (I use a rectangular Rubbermaid container covered) and freeze for 24 hours.
- Take out 1 hour before serving so it becomes just slightly slushy.
- To make the push pops I simply reserved some of the mixture and poured it into the push pop containers and covered them with the lids they come with. Then pop in the freezer for 24 hours, standing up in a glass or like I did – propped up between the slats of my freezer shelves.
- The push pops make it easy to eat right from the freezer. So if you’re looking for a healthier dessert to give your children, there’s no doubt they will love these. Of course, we’re all adults now in my family and we have fun eating the push pops too! It reminds me of my childhood.
Enjoy!