FOUR FOR THE FOURTH: Simple kid-friendly recipes for 4th of July treats

The Fourth of July is coming up, which means fireworks shows and patriotic music will be in the air in Southwest Georgia and elsewhere. There also will be the aroma of barbecue and grilled burgers and hot dogs.

There also are some tasty projects that you can do that are quick, easy and, most importantly, kid-friendly so that youngsters can have a hand in the nation’s 240th birthday celebration. Here are Four for the Fourth:

PATRIOTIC POPCORN

What you need:

— Clear plastic cups or small bowls

— Popcorn

— Red, white and blue peanut M&Ms

What you do:

— Pop the popcorn (microwave is easiest)

— Put 4-5 candies in the cups.

— Fill the cups with popcorn.

— Garnish with additional candies.

NOTE: The containers shown were purchased at the Dollar Tree in packages of 12.

TWIZZLER TREATS

What you need:

— Graham crackers

— Marshmallow cream

— Red, white and blue Twizzlers

What you do:

— Spread marshmallow cream on graham crackers

— Cut the Twizzlers into pieces and place one (or more) on each cracker

NOTE: Children will love this finger-licking snack. Using plastic knives for spreading and children’s scissors for cutting the candy makes this a 100 percent kid-friendly recipe. If you cannot find the red, white and blue Twizzlers, substitute cake sprinkles.

TIP: Covering the work area is imperative! Do not be surprised at any mess that is made! The background shown in the photos here is a $1 vinyl table cloth, easily rolled up and tossed when the project is finished.

FRUITY FLAG

What you need:

— One rectangular tray with handles

— Strawberries

— Blueberries

— Angel food cake

What you do:

— Place blueberries in upper left corner of the tray.

— Line up a row of strawberries at the top of the tray (horizontally).

— Line up a row of angel food cake cut into small squares.

— Repeat the pattern until the tray is full.

NOTE: Fresh fruit is always best, if available. The flag shown, however, is made with frozen fruit. Bake the angel food cake or purchase it already baked. The amount of fruit and cake needed will depend upon the size of the tray. Leftover fruit and cake can be used to replenish the flag as needed or baked in muffins or pancakes.

SKITTLES CUPCAKES

What you need:

— White cake mix

— Cupcake pan liners (patriotic colors if available)

— Red, white and blue Skittles

— White frosting

What you do:

— Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box.

— Line the muffin tins with papers, red and blue are shown here.

— Pour cups about 2/3 full with batter.

— Bake as directed.

— Allow to cool completely, overnight is fine, just be sure to cover with clear wrap.

— Carefully cut a hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with Skittles.

— Frost over the tops, hiding the skittles.

— For color, place 3-4 Skittles on the frosting.

TIP: Most cake mixes make 20-24 cupcakes.

NOTE: Originally, the plan was to use Pop Rocks candy as the center filling so there would be an “explosion” when eaten. However, it was difficult to find that particular candy readily available in a number of local stores, so Skittles were substituted. The idea is to find a surprise inside, so it still works, even if it doesn’t “pop.”