Fourth of July Finger Foods

Finger Foods FOURTH OF JULY By Jeweliana Curtis

There’s nothing quite like summer in the South. From days spent soaking up sun on the boat to patriotic parties, the start of summer brings many fun events. Whether you are hosting this summer or needing recipe inspiration for your next potluck, read on to fi nd creative, patriotic fi nger food ideas for your next gathering.

Patriotic Mini Fruit Pizzas

Ingredients: • Sugar cookie dough • 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened • 8 ounces of whipped topping • ¾ cup of sugar • Fruits of choice (Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries work well for the patriotic theme!) Optional: Melted white chocolate or fruit glaze for drizzling

Instructions: These patriotic fruit pizzas are delicious, easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next party! Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, using your favorite sugar cookie dough (store bought works well, too!), drop the dough into 1 to 2 inch circles, arrange on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely. Next, beat the cream cheese in a mixer until smooth, adding in the sugar until it is well combined. Fold in the whipped cream to complete your whipped topping. Spread a generous layer of the whipped topping on the sugar cookies. Allow the cookies to chill in the fridge for one hour before topping with your fruits. Optionally, add a layer of white chocolate drizzle to the top, or drizzle with a fruit glaze to nish. Enjoy! Ingredients: • 1 whole watermelon (cut into thick slices) • 16 ounces of fresh blueberries • Wooden skewers • Star cookie cutter

Instructions: Need an easy, refreshing treat for your pool party? This is for you! Simply begin by cutting up a watermelon into thick slices, then use star-shaped cookie cutters to create watermelon stars. Next, grab your skewers and thread 7-10 blueberries onto it, leaving space at the top for your watermelon star and space at the bottom to pick up the skewers. Top with your watermelon star and serve immediately, or refrigerate until you are ready to serve. These are amazing on a hot summer day!

Firecracker Hot Dogs

Ingredients: • 16 wooden skewers • 16 hot dogs • 16 pieces of refrigerated breadstick dough or crescent dough • 8 thick slices of Colby-Jack cheese • Star cookie cutter Instructions: With the fun design and classic avor combination, these sparklers are sure to delight guests of all ages! Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, then prepare a baking sheet. Insert the skewers through the hot dogs, leaving a bit of the skewer exposed at the top for the cheese star later on. Wrap the breadstick dough or crescent dough around the hot dog, beginning at the bottom and circling up to the top. Repeat this step with all remaining hot dogs, then bake according to the dough instructions until fully cooked. While the hot dogs bake, use the star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 16 cheese stars. Once the hot dogs nish baking, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely. Top the skewers o with the cheese stars and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

American Flag Taco Dip

Ingredients: • 16-ounce can of traditional refried beans • 16 ounces of guacamole • 16 ounces of sour cream • 16-ounce jar of chunky salsa • 1⁄2 cup black olives • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions: This dish is the perfect appetizer for an Independence Day party! In a 9”x12” serving dish, spread the refried beans in a single layer. Spread the guacamole over the beans, then spread the salsa on top. Next, sprinkle the cheese over the salsa then spread the sour cream on top of the cheese. Arrange the black olives in the top left corner in a square shape to represent the blue color in the American ag. Then place the tomatoes in straight lines, creating the stripes in the ag. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, then serve with tortilla chips and your favorite vegetables. Leftovers can be refrigerated!

Want to take this dish to the next level? Use your favorite recipe for homemade salsa or guacamole to add a bit more freshness!

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Patriotic Punch

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