7 Ways to Make July 4th a Blast

July 4th is a favorite holiday among our crew. Traditionally, we’ve always centered the holiday around a cook-out of some sort, family festivities, and fireworks. Since we’ve been on the road, where we watch July 4th fireworks has became part of the leap list of places we hope to visit some day. I’ve found that it doesn’t take a lot of money or energy to go from zero to hero on the Mom-o-meter for this Independence Celebration with these 7 quick and easy ways to make July 4th a blast!

First of all, I purchase a small inventory of themed items in the week or so before the holiday. Red or blue plastic cups and plates can be found at anytime during the year so those are easy finds. I picked up the patriotic centerpiece at a Meijer store for $1.99. Not only did it jazz up the table but I snipped off some of the wire strands to use in the fruit rockets below. Sugars, sprinkles, marshmallows, special napkins, and glitter ribbon helped to round out the Roadschool 101 crew’s celebration of the Red, White, & Blue. The few things I picked up were about $12.

A family favorite in our rig are these festive chocolate chip cookies sandwiches. Whether made by scratch or purchased already baked, it’s a snap to put these cookies together. Chocolate chip cookies (mini-sized are the best), a can of your favorite-brand icing, and holiday sprinkles are all you need. Be sure to put a heavier layer of icing towards the outside of the cookie before putting them together and pressing down so that just a bit of icing creeps outside the edges as this what makes the sprinkles stick to the sides of the cookie sandwiches.

No patriot’s breakfast would be complete without flag-themed toast. A piece of toast, strawberry jam, a few slices of banana, and a handful of blueberries is all that’s required. This is a great time to talk a bit about Betsy Ross and the creation of the American flag for a little roadschool in the morning.

Blueberries and watermelon are a favorite in our rig. The watermelon stars are a cinch to make with a star-shaped cookie cutter. I have no problem getting a pint-sized volunteer to make them so they can be added to a bowl of fresh blueberries. It’s a fun and festive addition to any meal of the day.

Another breakfast favorite for our family is yogurt parfaits. Keeping with the red, white, and blue theme is no problem with a handfull of blueberries and strawberries. Aside from the fruit, plain granola, vanilla yogurt, and a clear glass of some sort is all that’s needed. Layer the granola, yogurt, strawberries, more granola, yogurt, and blueberries and voila’, this super special treat is complete. My gang gobbles this up in no time.

Making these chocolate-dipped strawberries is as fun as eating them. Ripe whole strawberries, white chocolate candy coating, and blue sugar are used to make these in less than 15 minutes. Melt the candy coating in the microwave or over the stove. Dip the whole berries into the coating and allow to set up on wax paper. After 1-2 minutes, dip just the bottom of the berries in sugar. A plateful of these delectable delights can serve as a centerpiece to any July 4th table.

Before sending the kiddos out to play, send up the fruit rockets and sit back to watch the fun. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this spin on a fruit kabob loaded with strawberries, blueberries, and star marshmallows. Of course, any kind of fruit can be used. Tying a ribbon or other decoration to the end of the wooden skewer is a cinch and tops off the authentic rocket model.

Plans for this year’s July 4th holiday are well underway. We’ll enjoy many of these fun foods in the days leading up to America’s birthday. The Roadschool 101 just completed their July 4th Copywork and Study Guide so each is armed with all the facts of this All-American holiday. For your free-copy of the Road Trip Teacher exclusive (a $5 value), e-mail info@roadtripteacher.com and tell us why you’re proud to be an American. Happy 4th of July from Road Trip Teacher and the Roadschool 101 Crew!