Freedom has been fought for. Liberty has been defended. Independence has been declared. What better way to celebrate our freedom and to kick off summer with a bang than with an All-American Fourth of July celebration! Yes, that means fireworks and fairs, picnics and parades. And yes, that means FOOD!
Star-Spangled Sliders
These tasty little hand-sized burgers will be a huge hit for any size gathering whether it’s a BBQ with friends, a pool side party, or a picnic in the park before the fireworks begin.
You will need:
1lb lean ground hamburger (or turkey)
10 finely crushed Nabisco Sociables crackers (or any flavor)
1 large egg
1 tblsp Worcestershire
Seasonings to taste
1 package Hawaiian style rolls
Favorite burger toppings:
Lettuce
Tomato
Onion
Cheese
Bacon
Mayo
Ketchup
Mustard
Thoroughly mix all ingredients with meat in a large bowl. Don’t be afraid to get there with your hands! The egg makes for a richer, hardier burger. The crushed crackers help hold the patties together while cooking and give your burger great flavor.
Roll meat mixture into meatballs and then press flat between your palms to make about a 3″ patty. These patties are great on the stove top, the grill, or the oven.
Build your mini burgers and press a star in the top of the buns with a star shaped cookie cutter. Plant a patriotic toothpick flag on top-which can usually be found with the cupcake cups and other backing goods- and there you have a Star-Spangled Slider.
Red, White, & Oooo Berry Brownies
What could be better than a pan of fresh, warm, ooey, gooey, chocolaty brownies? Fresh, warm, ooey, gooey, chocolaty brownies iced with a thin layer of sweet, homemade cream cheese icing then topped with fresh, plump blue berries and juicy, ruby-red sliced strawberries arranged in an American flag formation!
You will need 1 box of Pillsbury® fudge brownie mix, 1 package of Philadelphia® cream cheese, 2 cups of finely sifted confectioner’s sugar, about 50 blue berries, and 50 slices of strawberry.
Bake brownies according to box directions. Mix softened cream cheese with mixer and gradually add sugar until sweetness is to taste. Frost brownies with cream cheese icing then arrange berries as stars and stripes across the frosted brownies.
Enjoy with friends, family, and neighbors while watching the fireworks this Fourth of July and celebrating our country’s independence!
Happy Independence Day ~ Let Freedom Ring!
