By Family Features | Contributor
It’s time to celebrate the Fourth of July, so let’s break out the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue! In addition to the festive fireworks and sounds, ensure your guests are treated to one of America’s favorite snacks that’s a true culinary delight: popcorn.
Whether you plan to gather by the pool, enjoy the comfort of air conditioning, or witness the stunning fireworks against a starry sky, serving up delicious festive snacks allows you to express your patriotic spirit.
These delightful Peanut Butter Cups make for a perfect summer treat and are simple to whip up using common ingredients. Just melt peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows together, then stir in popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts, and raisins. Bake them in individual paper liners for easy serving and share them with your loved ones. For a festive touch, opt for liners featuring the American flag or add mini American flags atop toothpicks to your treats.
Bring some heat to your celebrations this year with Cinnamon Candy Poppers, which will definitely make a statement on your snack table. Inspired by the traditional firecrackers associated with the Fourth of July, these gooey snacks add a vibrant twist to the festivities.
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
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F.
In a large microwavable bowl, melt peanut butter and butter together for 1 minute on high heat.
Once melted, add the marshmallows and microwave for another minute or until they puff up; then stir to combine.
Next, add the popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts, and raisins, mixing gently.
Prepare two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners. Divide the mixture evenly among the 24 cups.
Bake for 10 minutes. After baking, store 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
On a clean surface, lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Using a large mixing bowl, spray it with nonstick cooking spray and place the popcorn inside.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in marshmallows until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Drizzle this mixture over the popcorn and add the cinnamon candies, mixing well to ensure everything is coated.
Coat your hands with nonstick cooking spray and shape the mixture into 24 balls. Press red and blue stars onto each ball for decoration. Top each ball with a piece of licorice string.
Explore more popcorn-inspired recipes to elevate your summer gatherings at Popcorn.org.
