Best Fourth of July Treats

Let’s face it. It’s hot in July, and what could be better on a hot day than a delicious, creamy ice cream cone? How about an ice cream cone dipped in white chocolate and rolled in colorful sprinkles? Kids are sure to love these awesome treats and they’re so easy to make! Lay sheets of waxed paper on a smooth, clean surface and pour a variety of red, white and blue sprinkles and Jimmies onto them. Then, simply melt white bakers chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Use a baster’s brush to paint the chocolate onto the top of the cones, about an inch or inch and a half. One by one, brush the cones with the chocolate and roll them into the various sprinkles. Let cool on waxed paper and voila! Patriotic ice cream cones.

Homemade whipped cream and fresh berries make this dessert a cool and refreshing treat. Beat one cup heavy whipping cream with 1 tbsp white sugar and ½ tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slice strawberries into bottom of parfait glass and top with cream. Follow this with several blueberries and more cream. Repeat steps, ultimately topping with more fresh cream. Yummy!

If you’ll have a lot of kids running around you’ll need some hand held treats. These salty, sweet treats are sure to hit the spot and they’ll look spectacular and inviting on your holiday table. Lay waxed paper on smooth, clean surface and pour variety of sprinkles on paper. Then, simply melt white baker’s chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy. Swirl pretzel in the melted chocolate until each stick is covered about ½ way. Allow excess chocolate to drip off and immediately roll chocolate covered pretzels in variety of sprinkles and allow to cool on waxed paper.

Alternate banana chunks and strawberries about 2/3 up wooden skewers. Top with 1/3 blueberries. These delicious snacks make healthy treats that everyone is sure to love. You can try using a variety of other appropriately colored fruits as well, such as red grapes and blackberries.

Every party needs a few “adults only” treats. These jello shots are sure to be a hit with the over 21 crowd. They look great and taste even better!

Here's the recipe:

RED LAYER

1 pkg Red Raspberry Jello

1 1/2 c water

1/2 c pomegranate vodka

WHITE LAYER

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 c water

2 pkg Knox gelatin

BLUE LAYER

1 pkg Berry Blue Jello

1 1/2 c water

1/2 blue curacao

To make red layer, boil 1 c. water. Add Jello to boiling water and stir constantly, until dissolved. Mix vodka with 1/2 c. cold water and stir. When slightly cooled, stir in cold water and vodka mixture. Pour into 1 oz. jello shot cups until about 1/3 full. Chill in refrigerator. May chill in freezer for quicker results, but do not allow to freeze.

To make white layer, boil 1 c. water and mix in milk. Set aside. Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water and stir until dissolved. Blend milk and gelatin mixtures and let sit until mixture reaches room temperature. When first two layers have set, pour onto gelatin layer for another 1/3. You will have extra that won't be needed.

To make blue layer, boil 1 c. water and add Berry Blue Jello, stirring until dissolved. Mix blue curaçao with 1/2 c. cold water and stir. When Jello has cooled slightly, stir in cold water and curaçao mixture. After this layer has cooled slightly and previous two layers have set, pour blue layer on top of for last 1/3.

Enjoy!