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By zp7op | Contributor
Break out the red, white and blue – it’s time to celebrate America’s birthday. Amidst the fireworks and festivities, ensure your guests are treated to one of the nation’s favorite snacks and a real delight in the kitchen: popcorn.
Whether your celebration is by the pool, in an air-conditioned space, or while enjoying stunning firework displays in the night sky, festive snacks that reflect the spirit of the occasion allow you to express your patriotic pride.
Peanut Butter Cups
These Peanut Butter Cups are the perfect summer treat, easy to whip up with common ingredients. Simply melt together peanut butter, butter, and marshmallows; then mix in popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts, and raisins. Bake them in individual paper liners for easy serving and share them with family and friends. For an additional festive touch, use liners decorated with the American flag or add toothpicks topped with miniature American flags.
Cinnamon Candy Poppers
Spice up this year’s celebrations with Cinnamon Candy Poppers, which add a fun pop to your snack table. Reminiscent of those iconic firecrackers essential to any Fourth of July gathering, these gooey treats bring a truly patriotic flair.
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 the oven to 250°F.
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt peanut butter and butter on high for 1 minute.
Add marshmallows to the bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute, or until the marshmallows puff; stir.
Gently fold in popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts, and raisins.
Line two 12-cup muffin pans with paper liners and distribute the mixture evenly into 24 cups.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and 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
Spread a large sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Lightly spray a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray and add the popcorn.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the marshmallows until melted and smooth. Pour this mixture over the popcorn, add cinnamon candies, and mix well to ensure everything is coated.
Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and form the mixture into 24 balls. Gently press red and blue stars onto each ball, and place a piece of licorice string on top of each.
Explore more popcorn-inspired snacks for your summer gatherings at Popcorn.org.
