Southampton - Sometimes it's the simple things in life that matter most. Spending time in the kitchen making something yummy together is one of the simple things families can do to make life a little sweeter and create lifelong memories.

This recipe is not only easy, but it's also lots of fun - terrific for a "just-because" snack or as a sweet way to finish off a family picnic. And kids of all ages can help - from pouring and stirring to dipping and decorating, there's something everyone can do. And somehow food tastes a little bit better to kids when they help make it themselves.

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tips
Children of all ages should have an adult assistant with them at all times when cooking.
 • The youngest chefs, three to six years old, will be very good at inserting the ice cream skewers into the strawberries.
 • Older chefs, ages seven to nine, will enjoy "dipping" the strawberries into the melted chocolate, too.

Yankee Doodle Dandy Treat

 • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
 • 1 package (10 ounces, about 40) regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
 • 6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal OR 6 cups Kellogg's® Cocoa Krispies® cereal
 • 1 1/2 cups white chocolate morsels
 • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
 • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
 • 2 tablespoons water
 • Red, white and blue-colored sprinkles

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
2. Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
3. Using buttered spatula or wax paper, evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Crosswise cut in half, forming two 9 x 6 1/2-inch rectangles.
4. Meanwhile, in small saucepan melt white chocolate morsels over low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in oil. Add powdered sugar, stirring until combined. Add water. Stir until smooth.
5. Spread chocolate mixture over one cereal rectangle. Top with second rectangle. Sprinkle with red, white and blue sprinkles, pressing lightly into cereal mixture. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set. Cut into 3 1/4 x 1-inch strips. Best if served the same day.