What To Do On July 4th: 5 Fun Ideas & Patriotic Recipes

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There is no better way to celebrate warm and long summer nights and American Independence then on the 4th of July. The longtime traditionalized holiday as a way of bringing people together like no other made all the more fun with good food and games to share with the family and friends. Below is a list of activities paired with red, white, and blue themed food and drink to make your 4th of July festivities the hottest on the block.

1. Head to the Beach

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There is always something special that comes with the beach during the summer, but even more on the 4th of July. When packing a trip to the beach snacks and staying hydrated are always a priority. These Fireball Filled Cherries paired with Red, White and Blue chocolate covered pretzels and popcorn are the perfect, portable snacks for a quick trip to the coast.

Fireball Filled Cherry Bombs

INGREDIENTS

• 1 jar maraschino cherries with stems
• 1 c. Fireball whiskey
• 1 c. whipped cream-flavored vodka
• 1 c. white chocolate chips
• 1 jar blue sanding sugar sprinkles

DIRECTIONS

1. Soak cherries in equal parts Fireball and vodka for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Remove cherries and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Heat chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
3. Dip each cherry two-thirds of the way into the melted white chocolate, twisting it slightly to help the chocolate stick. Dip the cherry in blue sanding sugar, coating it halfway up the white chocolate coating.
4. Chill in fridge 20 minutes before serving.

For the full recipe head to Delish.com

2. Celebrate with Sparklers in the Backyard

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Nothing says patriotic more than lighting a few sparklers to wave around in the backyard. With sparklers in one hand, fruit sparklers are easy to make, convenient, and refreshing to have accessible for the other. Made with blueberries and watermelon, all you need is a star-shaped cookie cutter to put together the skewer.

3. Host a Barbeque

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If you are fortunate enough to have a large backyard, hosting a barbeque is the perfect way to bring people together on the 4th. Grilled chicken, burgers, and hot dogs are always a must, but make your barbeque stand out with this recipe for parmesan tater tots with dipping sauce wrapped in red, white and blue wax paper.

Parmesan Tater Tots Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp.chili sauce
• 3 tbsp.mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp.yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp.sweet pickles, chopped
• 1(2-lb.) bag frozen potato tots
• 1 1/2 tbsp.olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp.garlic powder
• 1/2 c.Parmesan, grated

DIRECTIONS

Combine chili sauce, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and chopped sweet pickles. Toss potato tots, olive oil, garlic powder on a baking sheet; roast at the temperature specified on package 25 minutes. Toss with Parmesan; roast 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with sauce.

For the full recipe head to Country Living

4. Play Outdoor Games

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Outdoor games such as cornhole and horseshoe always make spending time outdoors all the more fun with friends and family. While relaxing and playing outside, red, white, and blue rice crispy bites are the perfect accompaniment for a quick in theme, sugar rush.

Red, White, and Blue Rice Crispy Bite Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Cereal
• Butter (We use Salted, Sweet Cream Butter)
• Mini Marshmallows
• Wilton Color Right Food Coloring System – Blue, Crimson, Brown, Red
• Food Scale

DIRECTIONS

1. 1. Melt 3 tbsp. Butter in a medium pan.
   2. Add 3 cups of Mini Marshmallows and stir until the marshmallows are completely melted.
   3. Take the pan off the heat.
   4. Add food coloring and mix.
   5. Add 3 cups of Rice Krispie Cereal and mix until they are completely covered with the marshmallow mixture.
   6. Allow the Rice Krispie Mixture to cool slightly.
   7. Measure .5 oz of mixture and roll into a ball.
   8. Allow Rice Krispie Bites to cool.
   9. Repeat for the other Rice Krispie Bites colors.

For the full recipe head to Two Sisters Crafting

5. Go Somewhere to Watch Fireworks

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When people think of the 4th of July the First thing they think of is the fireworks. While many can’t light fireworks on their own, going somewhere to watch is the perfect way to end the holiday. Accompanied with this festive s’mores dessert, the night is bound to end on a high note.

July 4th S’mores Dip Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 4 sheets hershey’s chocolate
• 19 marshmallows
• 1 c. water
• 1 c. red, white, and blue sanding sugar
• Graham crackers, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 450°.
2. In a square glass pan, place a layer of Hershey’s to cover the bottom of the pan.
3. Dip 5 marshmallows in water and roll them in blue sanding sugar. Place on parchment paper to dry.
4. Repeat this process to make 6 red marshmallows and 8 white marshmallows.
5. Using kitchen shears, cut each marshmallow in half.
6. Place marshmallows cut side down on the chocolate to form a flag.
7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes and serve with graham crackers.

For the full recipe head to Delish.com