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We're celebrating the birth of America with some fun patriotic recipes and activities!
This American Flag Snack Tray is an easy way to jazz up an intimate 4th celebration with some patriotic color. It's SO fun to make...and healthy to boot! There are many different combinations you can try, and we've shared a few of our favorites with you here. Start with a great food tray for the foundation, like this large white melamine one or this clear acrylic one from Amazon. Have fun with it and let your fruit flag fly!
Ingredients
12 ounces (or 1 pint) blueberries
2 pounds strawberries
1 pound fresh red cherries
2 (5-6 oz) packages yogurt-covered pretzels
Instructions
Wash produce and arrange fruit and pretzels rows to resemble an American flag. Easy peasy!
Other Ideas:
Not loving these fruits? Need to avoid dairy? Substitute bananas for the yogurt-covered pretzels, grapes or blackberries for the blueberries, and raspberries or watermelon for the cherries.
Try arranging the fruit onto kabobs for easier eating.
Use cheese, meat, nuts, and crackers for a fancier, more filling tray.
Get up and get moving with this All American Playlist just in time for the 4th. Use this as a jumping-off point to add your own favorite patriotic, feelgood classics.
Ragged Old Flag- Johnny Cash
Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue- Toby Keith
Only in America- Brooks & Dunn
Homeland- Kenny Rogers
America The Beautiful- Ray Charles
This Land Is Your Land- Woody Guthrie
Fly Over States- Jason Aldean
Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)- Alan Jackson
Red, White & Blue-Lynyrd Skynyrd
Even more fun! Here's a list featuring video performances of classics like Whitney Houston's Star-Spangled Banner and Lee Greenwood's God Bless the U.S.A.
and more...
PIE-OH-MY, an American classic. This tried and true recipe adapted from King Arthur Flour is not only a visual treat but bursting with the flavor of fresh berries. Add to the fun with a patriotic pie plate like this red one with a ruffled edge or this 10 inch dark blue pie plate. A celebration of America and the berry!
Ingredients
Crust Your favorite prepared double pie crust or Pillsbury store-bought crust
Strawberry-Rhubarb Filling 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Pie Filling Enhancer (Recommended: Cornstarch or Tapioca)
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups lightly packed diced rhubarb, fresh or frozen
2 cups hulled, quartered strawberries, fresh or frozen
Blueberry Filling 2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Pie Filling Enhancer (Recommended: Cornstarch or Tapioca)
2 to 2 1/2 cups blueberries, washed and drained
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
1. To make the crust: Divide the pastry into two pieces — one about 2/3 of the total, the other 1/3. Roll the larger piece of pastry into a round, and place it in a 9-10" pie pan. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
3. To make the strawberry-rhubarb filling: Whisk together the sugar, enhancer, and salt, and toss with the rhubarb and strawberries. Set aside.
4. To make the blueberry filling: Whisk together the sugar and enhancer. Toss the blueberries with the sugar mixture, then stir in the lemon juice.
5. Fill a 90° wedge of the pie shell with blueberry filling and the remaining 270° wedge with strawberry-rhubarb filling.
6. Roll the remaining crust into a 10" x 6" rectangle about 3/8" thick. Cut the dough, lengthwise, into five to six 3/4"-wide, 10"-long strips. Cut three to five 1 1/4" stars from the remaining dough.
7. Place the strips parallel to one another over the strawberry-rhubarb section, cutting any excess off the ends and pinching them to the edge of the crust.
8. Place the stars atop the blueberry filling.
9. Brush stars, stripes, and outer crust with water, and sprinkle with sparkling sugar, if desired.
10. Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch the drips), and bake for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 45 to 60 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the crust nicely browned.
11. Remove the pie from the oven, and let it cool for at least an hour before serving.
How about some healthy homemade ice cream to go with?
How about a DIY Patriotic Wreath to cheerfully greet visitors at your door? There are so many material combinations like burlap, denim, ribbon, and artificial flower stems that can create the perfect patriotic look. Just grab an 18 or 24-inch wreath frame from Michael's or local craft store, some wire, and the materials of your choice.
There's nothing like a Patriotic Tablescape to add a special touch to the holiday. There's so much fun to be had when mixing patterns and colors. From tablecloths and napkins to plates and cups, it's a joy to find unexpected combinations that create the look you want. Try a white or plaid tablecloth as the base and mix with vintage patterns, toiles, paisleys, or polka dots. There are so many fun options with napkins like these red, white & blue plaid ones or these blue Boho paisley ones from Amazon. Different shades of blues and reds can be layered to create depth.
A bright Red, White, and Blue Flower Arrangement adds a festive finishing touch to the table. Use a favorite vase from around the house or find one with a classic pattern or accenting color.
Hydrangeas, roses, baby's breath, crepe myrtle, and delphinium are all great options.
Partying quietly at home with the kids this year? Here are some fun Patriotic Printables to make at home and add a little celebratory feeling to a small gathering or party.