(Family Features) Break out the red, white and blue and (safely) set off your favorite fireworks – it’s time to honor America’s birthday. Along with all the booms and blasts, make sure your crowd is satisfied with one of the country’s most beloved snack foods and a true firecracker in the kitchen: popcorn.

Celebrated for its seed-to-snack simplicity, popcorn’s smell, taste and versatility mean it can enhance any occasion as a budget-friendly solution for family gatherings. As a timeless treat nationwide, it’s an especially perfect partner for Fourth of July get-togethers as it bursts while cooking and brings a thrill to the senses.

Whether your gathering will take place poolside, in air-conditioned comfort or while watching spectacular fireworks shows among the backdrop of the night sky, tasty treats that honor the occasion allow you to show off your patriotic pride.

These Peanut Butter Cups are an ideal summer snack that’s easy to prepare with everyday ingredients. All you need to do is melt together peanut butter, butter and marshmallows then mix in popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts and raisins. Bake in individual paper liners for grab-and-go convenience then share with your nearest and dearest. For added flair, use American flag-themed liners or finish your creation with toothpicks connected to miniature American flags.

Add a touch of heat to this year’s celebrations with Cinnamon Candy Poppers that bring a real bang to the snack table. Inspired by those classic firecrackers that a Fourth of July party can’t go without, these balls of ooey-gooey goodness provide a truly patriotic spark.

Find more popcorn-inspired snacks for your summer celebrations at Popcorn.org.

Peanut Butter Cups

Yield: 24 cups

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 package (10 1/2 ounces) miniature marshmallows
• 6 cups freshly popped popcorn
• 6 cups spoon-size shredded wheat
• 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
• 1 cup raisins

1. Preheat oven to 250 F.
2. In microwave on high heat using large, microwavable bowl, melt peanut butter and butter 1 minute.
3. Add marshmallows and microwave on high 1 minute, or until marshmallows puff; stir.
4. Add popcorn, shredded wheat, peanuts and raisins; stir gently.
5. Place paper liners in two 12-cup muffin pans. Divide mixture into 24 cups.
6. Bake 10 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and tore “cups” in airtight container.

Cinnamon Candy Poppers

Yield: 24 balls

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 quarts popped popcorn
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
• 3 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/2 cup cinnamon-flavored candies
• red and blue confection stars
• red licorice string

1. Spread large sheet of plastic wrap on work surface and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spray large mixing bowl lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place popcorn inside.
3. In medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows until melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn. Add cinnamon candies and mix well until coated.
4. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray and form mixture into 24 balls. Gently press red and blue stars onto each ball. Place piece of licorice string on top of each ball.

SOURCE:
Popcorn Board

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

(Family Features) The ultimate summer holiday, the Fourth of July is a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family to create lasting memories.

From organizing the menu to planning festive activities, this guide can make your red, white and blue event a fun and memorable celebration.

Plan the Menu
When planning your Fourth of July party menu, start with traditional favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue. Also consider the preferences and dietary restrictions of your guests and offer vegetarian and gluten-free dishes to accommodate everyone’s needs. Don’t forget to include refreshing summer beverages, such as lemonade or iced tea, to keep your guests hydrated.

Create a Festive Atmosphere
Hang American flags; red, white and blue banners; and string lights to set the mood. Consider placing decorative items like sparklers, pinwheels and balloons around the party area to add a touch of fun. You can also set up a photobooth with props like hats, sunglasses and patriotic accessories.

Set Up Fun Activities for All Ages
To keep your guests entertained, plan a variety of activities. Set up classic backyard games like cornhole, horseshoes or a water balloon toss as well as a craft station where younger guests can create patriotic-themed artwork or make friendship bracelets.

Don’t forget to organize a fireworks display to end the night with a bang. Make sure to follow all safety precautions and check local regulations regarding fireworks. If fireworks aren’t allowed in your area, consider alternatives like glow sticks or sparklers.

Take Safety Precautions with Fireworks
When using fireworks at your party, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Follow these safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Read and follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging.
• Only use fireworks in a designated outdoor area away from buildings, trees and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• Never attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks.
• Supervise children closely.
• Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking them in water before throwing them away.

Find more party hosting tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle

Elevate mealtimes with Caesar salad-inspired dishes

(Family Features) From putting a family meal on the table after activities to hosting a large crowd at your next get-together, a seasonal favorite like Caesar salad can serve as the perfect canvas for creating quick, easy-to-prepare meals.

With more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads – including 11 Caesar salad varieties like the Caesar Chopped Salad Kit – Fresh Express provides tasty, versatile salad kits that can be modified to fit nearly any kind of meal you might be craving.

Available in the refrigerated produce department, these premium mixes can be eaten as a standalone salad when time is of the essence or taken beyond the bowl and fused with another beloved classic, like tacos, for a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. These Fried Chicken Caesar Tacos, ready in just 30 minutes, feature savory Caesar salad – crisp, chopped romaine; herb-seasoned crouton crumbles; cracked pepper; grated Parmesan cheese; and a delicious Parmesan Caesar dressing – enveloped in a crispy, golden chicken shell.

Even when time is limited, flavor doesn’t need to be compromised. Inspired by high-end dining experiences, the Fresh Express Twisted Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit provides a gourmet twist to turn these Creamy Truffle Caesar Pork Sandwiches into a culinary delight. Ready is just 20 minutes and featuring tender pork strips; a Caesar salad mix of garden-fresh crispy romaine lettuce, delicate sprinkles of truffle Parmesan cheese, crunchy garlic brioche croutons and creamy dressing; and sauteed onions on a toasted bun, every bite is a sensation to be savored.

To find more inspiration for elevating your salads or locate a store near you, visit freshexpress.com.

Creamy Truffle Caesar Pork Sandwiches

Prep time: 5 minutes 
Cook time: 15 minutes 
Servings: 4

• 2 pounds boneless skinless pork chops
• 4 tablespoons Italian seasoning 
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 red onion
• 1 bag (9.3 ounces) Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit
• 4 long sandwich rolls

1. Preheat pan on stove over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with Italian seasoning.
2. When pan is hot, add oil and pork chops. Cook pork chops, turning halfway through, until they reach minimum internal temperature of 145 F, 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness).
3. Once pork chops are cooked through, remove from pan and let rest a few minutes.
4. Peel and slice onion. After resting, slice pork into strips; set aside.
5. In same pan, saute onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
6. In large bowl, combine lettuce, dressing, croutons and cheese from salad kit.
7. In separate pan, toast buns until golden brown; set aside.
8. To build sandwiches, place sliced pork on bottom halves of toasted buns. Top with prepared salad mixture and sauteed onions. Finish with top halves of buns.

Chicken Caesar Tacos

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 3 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
• 3 cups neutral oil
• 1 bag (9.4 ounces) Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Salad Kit

1. In shallow bowl, beat eggs. In separate bowl, combine flour and half packet of taco seasoning.
2. Place chicken in resealable bag and, using meat tenderizer, pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
3. In medium saute pan, heat oil over medium heat.
4. Season chicken breasts with remaining taco seasoning.
5. Coat chicken in flour mixture, dip into beaten eggs then coat chicken in flour mixture again, pressing firmly to adhere.
6. In pan with hot oil, cook battered chicken until golden brown, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches minimum internal temperature of 165 F, 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness). Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding pan, if necessary.
7. Once fully cooked, fold chicken over to create taco shell-shape. Place sheet pan on top to hold shape, 3-4 minutes.
8. In large bowl, combine lettuce, dressing, croutons and cheese from salad kit.
9. Once chicken taco shells set, carefully remove sheet pan. Fill each taco shell with prepared salad mixture.

SOURCE:
Fresh Expres

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