4th of July Blog

July 01, 2019

With 4th of July right around the corner, planning is key. 4th of July is the perfect holiday for a backyard party! Host a barbeque for your friends and family and enjoy the day outdoors. Keep the patriotic theme with fun 4th of July food and drink recipes. Check out some fun and easy recipes for patriotic snacks that match the 4th of July theme.

It's not the 4th of July without a fun, red, white and blue type of cocktail! These fun red, white, & blitzed party shot will be a guest favorite. (Recipe and photo courtesy of delish.com)

Ingredients

Directions

• Spray an 8" cake pan with cooking spray. In a large measuring cup or heat-safe bowl, whisk 1 cup boiling water with strawberry Jell-O powder until completely dissolved. Stir in vodka and strawberries, then pour into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, 35 to 40 minutes.

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat milk and cream. Whisk in marshmallow crème until it is completely melted, then whisk in gelatin until it is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vodka. Let cool 10 to 15 minutes, then pour over set strawberry layer, then return to the refrigerator to firm up, 35 to 40 minutes more.

• In a large measuring cup or heat-safe bowl, whisk 1 cup boiling water with blue Jell-O powder until completely dissolved. Stir in vodka and blueberries, then let cool 10 to 15 minutes. Pour over marshmallow layer and refrigerate until firm, 35 to 40 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the Jell-O, then turn out onto a plate and serve.

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S'mores are a staple dessert in the summer! Change it up a little bit with this 4th of July twist. Red, white and blue skillet s'mores (Recipe and photo courtesy of 3scoopsofsugar.com)

Ingredients
• Graham cracker squares
• Almond butter
• Hershey Bars (1-2 bars per skillet)
• Sliced Strawberries (4-6 berries per skillet)
• Sliced Bananas (1 per skillet)
• Blueberries (1/2 cup per skillet)
• Big Marshmallows

Directions
• Preheat broiler
• Layer graham cracker squares on the bottom of a cast iron skillet. Spread the graham crackers with almond butter.
• Place chocolate on top of graham crackers followed by strawberries, bananas, and blueberries.
• Place marshmallows on top and broil until they become perfectly toasted (may take as little as 1 minute)
• Top with graham cracker squares and dig in!

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Who doesn't love a good taco salad?! Make it look like a flag to go along with the theme of the day. Taco salad flag (recipe and photo courtesy of familyfreshmeals.com)

Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3/4 c. water
• 1/4 c. salsa
• 1 envelope of taco seasoning
• 4-6 c. tortilla chips
• 4 c. shredded lettuce
• 1/2 c. pitted large olives, sliced lengthwise
• 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 c. cherry tomatoes

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat, and drain off any extra grease. Stir in the water, salsa, and taco seasoning, and bring to a simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Place chips in a 13x9 dish, and spread beef evenly over the top. Next cover with a layer of lettuce.
• Arrange olive slices together in the upper left corner to form stars. For the stripes, alternate tomatoes and cheese. Enjoy!

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You can't go wrong with a snack mix during a backyard party! Your guests will love this 4th of July snack mix. (recipe and photo courtesy of glorioustreats.com)

Ingredients
• Mini pretzels
• Popcorn (air-popped)
• Cereal (of your choice)
• Peanuts (or nut of your choice)
• M&Ms or other chocolate candies
• Sprinkles
• White chocolate or white candy melts

Directions

• In a large roasting pan, mix all ingredients except the M&M's, sprinkles, and candy melts.
• Melt white chocolate (or candy melts) in the microwave until smooth and melted. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted chocolate over the dish of snacks. Mix as needed to coat.
• Add sprinkles and M&M's while the chocolate is still warm, stir to combine.
• After the mixture is cooled, break apart as needed to serve.