4th Weekend Recipes: Patriotic Pops, Ice Cream Sandwiches

July 5, 2014

The Fourth of July calls for a carefree party, with good friends, fab food, fun and fireworks – a real star-studded holiday celebration.

Patriotic Pops cut into star shapes definitely say “Happy Fourth of July.” Decorated in red, white and blue icing, red licorice and colored candies, these easy-to-make crispy rice treats are a favorite for both youngsters and the grown-ups. The kids can lend a hand to help decorate by placing the candy pieces on the stars.

Add a taste of nostalgia for the child in all of us with Ice Cream Sandwiches – everybody loves ‘em. Homemade brownies and buttery vanilla cookies, sandwiched with the ice cream flavor of your choice are a cut above ice cream truck offerings. Give them the flair of the Fourth by rolling the edges in patriotic sprinkles and sugars. Or, dip part of the sandwich into melted candy melts and decorate with sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.

(Scroll down to see both recipes.)

Patriotic Pops

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 6 cups crisp rice cereal
  • 24 8-inch Cookie Treat Sticks
  • Red, Blue and White Cookie Icing
  • Red and blue candy-coated chocolates
  • Red licorice

Preparation

  1. Spray Star Cookie Treat Pan and rubber spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray.
  2. In large saucepan, melt butter. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add cereal; mix well. Press into prepared pan; insert cookie sticks. When cool to touch, remove from pan. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture. (If mixture becomes hard to work with, microwave at 50% power 30 to 60 seconds to soften.)
  3. Outline treat as desired with Cookie Icing; add candy and licorice. Let dry at least 1 hour.

Serves
Makes about 2 dozen pops

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ingredients

Brownies
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Cookies
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract, orange extract or ground cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Brownies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
  2. In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with chocolate chips. Whisk in sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add flour mixture; stir until just combined. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
  3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
  4. Vanilla Cookies: Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray.
  5. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugars, eggs, vanilla and, if desired, other extract or cinnamon; mix well. Add flour mixture; mix until blended. Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted at an angle toward center comes out clean. Immediately remove to cooling rack; cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.
  7. To Assemble: 1 quart ice cream, any flavor
  8. Assorted Patriotic Mix Sprinkles and Red and Blue Sugars
  9. White Candy Melts, melted (optional)
  10. Scoop about 1/4 cup ice cream onto smooth side of half of the brownies. Top with remaining brownies, pressing gently. If desired, roll edge of sandwiches in sprinkles or sugars. Wrap and freeze immediately.
  11. Or, dip a portion of the sandwich in melted candy melts; add sprinkles and sugars. Freeze 5 minutes to set, then wrap and freeze until ready to serve.

Serves
Makes about 12 ice cream sandwiches

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News