Add A Patriotic Flair To Your Fourth Of July Party

Celebrated for its seed-to-snack simplicity, popcorn's smell, taste and versatility mean it can enhance any occasion as a budget-friendly solution for family gatherings. As a timeless treat nationwide, it's an especially perfect partner for Fourth of July get-togethers as it bursts while cooking and brings a thrill to the senses.

Whether your gathering will take place poolside, in air-conditioned comfort or while watching spectacular fireworks shows among the backdrop of the night sky, tasty treats that honor the occasion allow you to show off your patriotic pride.

These Peanut Butter Cups are an ideal summer snack that's easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. All you need to do is melt together Peanut Butter, Butter and Marshmallows then mix in Popcorn, Shredded Wheat, Peanuts and Raisins. Bake in individual paper liners for grab-and-go convenience then share with your nearest and dearest. For added flair, use American flag-themed liners or finish your creation with toothpicks connected to miniature American flags.

Add a touch of heat to this year's celebrations with Cinnamon Candy Poppers that bring a real bang to the snack table. Inspired by those classic firecrackers that a Fourth of July party can't go without, these balls of ooey-gooey goodness provide a truly patriotic spark.

Peanut Butter Cups
Yield: 24 cups

• 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter
• 1/2 Cup of Butter or Margarine
• 1 Package 10 1/2 Ounces of Miniature Marshmallows
• 6 Cups of Freshly Popped Popcorn
• 6 Cups of spoon-size Shredded Wheat
• 1 Cup of Dry Roasted Peanuts
• 1 Cup of Raisins

Preheat the oven to 250 F.

In a microwave on high heat using a large, microwavable bowl, melt the Peanut Butter and the Butter for 1 minute.

Add the Marshmallows and microwave it on high for 1 minute, or until the Marshmallows puff; stir.

Add the Popcorn, the Shredded Wheat, the Peanuts and the Raisins; stir gently.

Place paper liners in two 12-cup muffin pans. Divide the mixture 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 of Popped Popcorn
• 4 Tablespoons, 1/2 stick of Butter or Margarine
• 3 Cups of Miniature Marshmallows
• 1/2 Cup of Cinnamon-Flavored Candies
• Red and Blue Confection Stars
• Red Licorice String

Spread a large sheet of plastic wrap on the work surface and spray it with the Nonstick Cooking Spray.

Spray a large mixing bowl lightly with Nonstick Cooking Spray and place the Popcorn inside.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the Butter. Stir in the Marshmallows until they are melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour it over the Popcorn. Add the Cinnamon Candies and mix it well until it is coated.

Spray your hands with Nonstick Cooking Spray and form the mixture into 24 balls. Gently press the Red and Blue Stars onto each ball. Place a piece of Licorice String on top of each ball.

A Fruit-Infused Fourth of July
If Popcorn isn't your thing then maybe enjoy a fruit-infused Fourth of July. Summer is a perfect time to make fruit the star of the show, and Fourth of July is no exception. These special occasions can be uplifted with the aroma and flavor of Apples.

Apples versatility makes them ideal for sweet treats like these Apple and Berry Cream Cheese Tarts for a patriotic touch with red, white and blue pops of color. These tasty bites are shareable, handheld and festive, making them a savvy solution that keeps entertaining simple.

Just combine the Cream Cheese, the Powdered Sugar, the Vanilla and the Milk, pipe it onto the baked Tart Shells and top them with the Raspberries, the Blueberries and the Star-Shaped Apple Cutouts. Better yet, you can even swap out the Raspberries for preferred red fruits like Strawberries or Cherries, if desired.

If all the planning and entertaining leaves you short on time, turn to these Patriotic Apple "Donuts" that swap out traditional dough for thick, round Apple Slices topped with Cream Cheese and Sprinkles. With just a few ingredients, you can slice the Apples then let little ones in on the fun by spreading the Cream Cheese and decorating them with the Sprinkles.

The craveable texture and crunch of Envy Apples provides balanced sweetness for these favorite desserts and beyond, giving guests the ultimate Apple experience for all your Fourth of July festivities. They're an appealing backdrop for pops of red and white in patriotic recipes as their flesh remains whiter longer, even after cutting or slicing, so they look fresh and delicious throughout the holiday.

Apple And Berry Cream Cheese Tarts

• 1 Cup of Diced Raspberries
• 4 Tablespoons of Sugar, divided
• 1 Cup of Halved Blueberries
• 1 Package of Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 Cup of Powdered Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Cup of Milk
• 12 Frozen Mini Tart Shells, approximately 2 inches in diameter
• 3 Envy Apples, cut into 12 Large Slices around the Cores

In a bowl, stir the Raspberries and 2 Tablespoons of Sugar. In a separate bowl, stir the Blueberries and the remaining Sugar. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes.

Beat together the Cream Cheese, the Powdered Sugar, the Vanilla and the Milk. Spoon it into a piping bag and cut off the small part of the tip.

Bake the Tart Shells according to the package’s directions. Once baked and cooled, fill it halfway with the Cream Cheese Mixture.

Using a small Star Cookie Cutter, cut shapes from the Apple Slices.

Top half of each tart with a spoonful of Raspberries and the other half with the Blueberries. Top each with an Apple Star and repeat with remaining ingredients.

Patriotic Apple "Donuts"
Servings: 6

• 2 Envy Apples
• 2/3 Cup of Whipped Cream Cheese
• 6-10 Tablespoons of Red, White and Blue Sprinkles

Cut the Apples horizontally to create thick, round slices. Use a round cookie cutter to remove the Apple Cores.

Spread the Cream Cheese on the "Donuts" and top them with the Sprinkles.

Find more Popcorn-inspired snacks for your summer celebrations at: https://www.popcorn.org/ - Or visit: https://envyapple.com/us/ - To find more Fourth of July salads, main courses, sides and desserts.