In just a week, many of us will be giving the menu a last once-over, dropping by the grocery store for that item we forgot, or checking our decor inventory of things red, white and blue. Next Thursday, our nation celebrates the Fourth of July. It’s an occasion that connects us all, and it seems to call for some form of sharing. That could be something as simple as flying the flag to show our neighbors we recognize the significance of this commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. Or it could be more elaborate, a matter of cookouts, family reunions, concerts and fireworks. One thing is certain: it usually involves food. We’ve shared numerous recipes so far this summer for good things to grill; today the focus is on sweets to round out a July 4th feast. Each of them boasts festive patriotic colors.
Get out the star-shaped cookie cutters to make the Fourth of July cheesecake recipe from myfamilyandfriends.com. Or whip up the Firecracker Milkshakes with instructions from delish.com. They are easy to prepare, and they visually pop. A Patriotic Frozen Delight from tasteofhome.com requires no baking, just freezing. All these desserts make a deliciously colorful statement.
How about some star-spangled watermelon as sweet appetizers? Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter on slices of watermelon. Turn each star into a “watermelon pop” by putting it on a lollipop stick (or a coffee stir stick in a pinch).
Hosting festivities at your place? Remember, this is a celebration of Americana: Set up a game of corn hole or horseshoes, or put up a volleyball net. Maybe toss around a few hula hoops, and offer prizes. After the sun does down, consider showing an outdoor movie. (Yes, a white sheet screen still works.) Timely film choices include “National Treasure,” “Music Man,” “The Sandlot” or “Independence Day,” depending on your audience.
If fireworks are part of your Fourth, enjoy them. If not, have plenty of sparklers on hand so the young and young at heart can wish America a happy birthday. At 243 years old, she’s still looking pretty grand.
FOURTH OF JULY CHEESECAKE
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
1 cup strawberry jam, warmed
1 cup blueberries
(Source: myfoodandfamily.com)
FIRECRACKER MILKSHAKE
Total time: 10 minutes
Makes 4 servings
1 half gallon vanilla ice cream
3 drops red food coloring
3 drops blue food coloring
(Source: delish.com)
PATRIOTIC FROZEN DELIGHT
Total time: 10 minutes, plus freezing
Makes 12 servings
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 cups plain yogurt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
(Source: tasteofhome.com)
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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