When you are with family and friends for the fourth of July, tasty treats are sure to be a hit! Today’s Fourth of July FUN recipes are very easy to put together, so you can enjoy the party, too!

Chef Karel Anne Tieszen
www.kitchen-friends.com

Fireworks cake and cupcakes

One box cake mix (White or Funfetti/Rainbow chip)

White frosting

Red and Blue gel icing

Bake the cake according to package directions. I chose to make one 1-layer cake and 6 cupcakes. Prepare with white frosting. While the frosting is still moist, make concentric circles on spots of the cake. Take a toothpick, and draw a line from the center to just past the outside edge. This makes the fireworks burst. When ready to serve, you can add a sparkler to the center, or candles in the middle of each color burst for a festive dessert!

Bites of Patriotism

Fresh strawberries, washed and carefully dried

White chocolate dipping container

Blue decorator’s sugar

Heat the chocolate in the microwave and stir gently. Dip a strawberry in the chocolate and hold over the container, allowing the drip to stop. Put the tip into the blue sugar mixture, and place gently on a plate to set. Repeat with as many strawberries as you can eat.

Sparkling Pretzel Rods

Large stick pretzels

White dipping chocolate container

Multi-colored sprinkles

Heat the chocolate in the microwave and stir gently. Dip the top half of the pretzel in the chocolate and hold over the container, allowing the drip to stop. Roll in the sprinkle mixture to create your own edible sparkler. Place on a plate or wax paper to harden.