I’m a first generation American, and though my parents didn’t really go all out for the Fourth (they’re British – to be fair they don’t really go all out for anything) we always went to see a big fireworks show. This year it looks like I’ll be hosting a pot luck BBQ at my place, so I went on the hunt today for some festive food ideas.  Here are my faves…

Spangled Ice Cream Pops:

Img: FamilyFun Magazine

Instructions (from FamilyFun Go)

1. First, skewer mini ice-cream sandwiches on popsicle sticks. This isn’t critical, just slightly less messy – again you can also use other ice cream sandwiches like Skinny Cow.
2. Then, press the exposed filling into a plate of sprinkles or nonpareils.
3. To keep mess to a minimum, serve the pops in colorful cupcake liners.

Watermelon Stars:

Img: Hiphiphooray blog

How easy is this? Star shaped cookie cutters and a seedless watermelon. Add to a fruit salad or serve with toothpicks or add them to a fruity sangria. From Spearmint Baby.

White Chocolate Strawberries:

Img from ReMarkable Home

This from ReMarkable Home:

“To make these, just wash your strawberries and allow them to dry on a towel.  Once dry, dip them in melted white chocolate chips or candy melts, then directly into a bowl of blue sprinkles.  These are not only cute and festive but they are super yummy!”

Flag Cupcake Cake:

Img: Good Housekeeping. Cupcake flag cake!

Cakes are great, but get melty in the sun and it seems you’ll always have leftovers that are unwieldy to store.  Cupcakes have this magical way of just getting gobbled up – they’re like cake-to-go.  If you are a coconut fan you’ll like this one even more – the white ones are sprinkled with coconut.  If not, substitute white chocolate chips.  Recipe is here, from Good Housekeeping.