By Family Features | Contributor
Get ready to celebrate America’s birthday with a festive display of red, white, and blue! Amidst the vibrant fireworks and lively gatherings, ensure your guests enjoy one of the nation’s favorite snack delights: popcorn, a true standout in any celebration.
No matter whether your festivities are by the pool, indoors, or while enjoying a dazzling fireworks show beneath the stars, preparing delicious snacks that reflect the holiday will help you express your patriotic spirit.
These delightful Peanut Butter Cups make for a fantastic summer treat that is simple to whip up using common pantry staples. Just melt together peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows, then fold in popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts, and raisins. Bake in individual paper liners for an easy-to-share snack, and consider using American flag-themed liners or topping them with toothpicks that sport miniature flags for an extra festive touch.
Spice things up this Fourth of July with Cinnamon Candy Poppers, which bring an exciting kick to your snack spread. Designed to resemble the classic firecrackers that are a must-have for any celebration, these delightful treats are sure to ignite a spark of patriotism.
Peanut Butter Cups
Yield: 24 cups
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows
6 cups freshly popped popcorn
6 cups spoon-size shredded wheat
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 250°F.
In a large, microwavable bowl, combine peanut butter and butter, and microwave on high for 1 minute until melted.
Add marshmallows and microwave for an additional minute, or until marshmallows expand; stir well.
Incorporate popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts, and raisins, stirring gently to combine.
Prepare two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners and distribute the mixture evenly into 24 cups.
Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool before storing the “cups” in an airtight container.
Cinnamon Candy Poppers
Yield: 24 balls
Nonstick cooking spray
3 quarts popped popcorn
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup cinnamon-flavored candies
Red and blue confection stars
Red licorice string
Place a large sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface and apply nonstick cooking spray.
Gently coat a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray and add the popcorn.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat, stirring in marshmallows until completely melted and smooth. Pour over the popcorn, then add cinnamon candies, mixing thoroughly until evenly coated.
Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and shape the mixture into 24 balls. Press red and blue stars onto each ball and place a piece of licorice string on top for decoration.
Discover more popcorn-inspired treats for your summer celebrations at Popcorn.org.
