Kid Friendly Memorial Day Foods

It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of these men who goes into battle.
by Norman Schwarzkopf US. Army officer who commanded Operation Desert Storm

Cook's Notes: I realize

but never the less these ideas can be used anytime for summer meals.

One of my favorites and so easy is an ice cream sandwich coated with sprinkles.

Let ice cream bar soften a little and add the sprinkles. Lightly wrap in wax paper and refreeze.
A bowl of  yogurt pretzels

a bowl of string mozzarella sticks 

and watermelon on a stick

veggie kabobs 

or a fun veggie tray with ranch dressing

are some healthier options while waiting for the main meal. 
When I saw the title for this recipe BEST EVER BAKED BEANS I was a bit skeptical. We all have what we think is our own best baked bean recipe. But one spoonful of this side dish will have you smacking your lips and wanting more. We had a 4 year old guest who loved every spoonful. It was that good I will never buy from the deli again since it's so easy to put together. The recipe required no adaptation except I halved it to serve for a smaller group. I could say it served 6 but since so tasty a realistic guess would be 4. It can be prepared the night before and then reheated. 
Recipe from Food Network  

Best Ever Baked Beans
Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 1 cup sweet onions, diced 
• 3/4 cup mini sweet peppers, diced yellow, orange and red
• 1 can (28 oz.) Bushs Baked Beans Maple and Bacon Cured  
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray brand) 
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 TB. spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard
• 1 TB. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. soy sauce
• 2 TB. brown sugar
• Optional 4 slices of cooked crumbled bacon

Directions:

• Brown ground beef, onions and peppers
• Drain and crumble ground beef.
• In  large saucepan add ground beef, peppers, onions and rest of ingredients. Cook on low 30 minutes uncovered.