You guys know that I am all about easy recipes and treats.  I am a busy mama and I do not have time to sit down and prepare a 5 course meal.  Desserts I can handle because most of those you can put in the oven and walk away.  Even better if it’s no bake and I can make it, store it and put it aside.  This easy 4th of July treat will take you 5 minutes to make!  And yes, I totally cheated.

All you need to make these yummy treats are pre-packaged Rice Krispie Treats (gasp!), white chocolate melts and patriotic M&Ms (found mine at Wal-mart).

So yes…I cheated.  I used pre-packaged Rice Krispies.  To be perfectly honest, every time I have attempted to make them myself they have turned out horribly.  Like as in, not edible.  To save everyone from gagging and me from losing my sanity, I cheated.

Unwrap all of the Rice Krispie Treats and set aside.  Next comes the semi-tedious part.  I dumped all of the Patriotic M&Ms into a bowl and separated out the white ones (since I was using white chocolate melts).  Basically you just wanted the blue and red ones.

Next, you are going to melt the white chocolate wafers in the microwave according to the directions on the bag.  Remember to stir between each increment of microwaving.

I decided to make it extra fun by adding some colorful straws.  Food is more fun on a stick, right?!  Simply stab the straw through the bottom of the Rice Krispie Treat.

Now you are going to dip the other end of the Rice Krispie Treat into the melted white chocolate.

Now for a warning…

Do not attempt to dip the white chocolate coated Rice Krispie treat into the M&M bowl.  This will cause clumped up M&Ms in a bowl.  It doesn’t work.  They are too heavy.

Simply place the M&Ms onto the chocolate dipped end of the Rice Krispie Treat.  Allow them time to dry on some wax or parchment paper.  Add sprinkles and you are all done!!

The chocolate combined with the marshmallow-y goodness of the Rice Krispies tastes like s’mores!!  They are delicious!  Plus they are the perfect little patriotic treat for your 4th of July celebration!

Store in an air tight container and these will keep for a couple of days! You can make these Dipped Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time!

Click HERE to see more amazing recipes!

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I LOVE strawberries!  They are one of my favorite foods.  I could eat them all day long and not think a thing of it.  To me, strawberries are the flavor of summer.  The best part?  They are WW friendly and only 2 points!

 Ingredients:

Angel food cake mix

Strawberries

Reddi Whip

Wooden skewers

These are so much fun to make!  Start by grabbing a box of your favorite angel food cake mix.  Follow the directions on the box to prepare.  I used a non-stick  mini cupcake pan to bake these little puffs of angelic goodness.  I used my cookie scooper and put a scoop in each cupcake form.  I wanted the outside to be golden brown so I did NOT use cupcake liners.  Bake for 17-18 minutes.  Allow them about 15 minutes to cool before removing from the pan.  I was able to get 72 mini cupcakes from one mix!

Next, slice up your strawberries.  Now you are ready to assemble!

For parties, I found it easiest to create a kabob station.  Simply set out a bowl of sliced strawberries, a basket of angel food mini cupcakes, some Reddi Whip and wooden skewers.

Assembly is super easy too!  Angel food cupcake, whipped cream, strawberry – or whatever order you want!

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs Yields – 36 kabobs

And ONLY 2 WW points!!

Do you have a favorite strawberry recipe?  I’d love to hear it!  Stop by and share on Facebook!

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Charcuterie boards continue to be all the craze. Not only can they be customized for ANY occasion, holiday or event, but they look pretty too!

Keys to a Patriotic Charcuterie Board

1. Make it festive and add some red, white and blue by using seasonal fruit.
2. Offer a variety of foods and textures. Some may go for a dessert only board but a true charcuterie board includes meat, cheese, sweet and savory additions and crackers. Again, you can get creative here and even use colored tortilla chips depending on the occasion.
3. Keep it simple and keep your guests in mind! If you’re feeding a crowd of foodies, it’s perfectly safe to break out fancier meats and cheeses. But if kids are going to be at your party, cater to their tastes! Better yet – make two separate boards if needed!

These bloggers have knocked the Patriotic Charcuterie Boards out of the park! Check out some of these boards for more inspiration!

As always, please pin from the original source!

Tasty Oven

Amanda’s Cookin’

Jennifer Maune

Hungry Couple NYC

Urban Bliss Life

Kara’s Party Ideas

Reluctant Entertainer

Snowflakes and Coffeecakes

The Delicious Life

Diary of a Debutante

Life by Leanna

Leigh Anne Wilkes

Fashionable Hostess

Number 2 Pencil

Eat Yourself Skinny

Scrambled Chefs

Dance Around the Kitchen

Damn Delicious

Whitney Rife

Plays Well with Butter

Now how is that for some Patriotic Charcuterie Board Ideas and inspiration? I can’t decide how I want to make our board for the 4th of July this year! Maybe I’ll add my American Flag Dipped Pretzels!

What’s your favorite way to style a charcuterie board? So many options and I’d love to hear your ideas! Head over to Facebook and tell us!

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Candy Dipped Oreos

These dipped Oreos remind of petit fours. I always loved those little cookie cakes. I changed it up by substituting Oreos. I’ve only ever made them with classic Oreos but they would be delicious with Golden Oreos as well!

Three simple ingredients to make Candy Dipped Oreos

• Classic Oreos (chocolate or golden)
• White chocolate candy melts
• Festive sprinkles

How to Make Candy Dipped Oreos

1. Simply, melt the white chocolate candy melts in the microwave per the instructions on the bag.  
2. When the candy is properly melted, “glue” two cookies together with a dab of white chocolate.  
3. Allow the chocolate to cool and dry before attempting to dip them in the remainder of the white chocolate.
4. Once the double decker cookies are dry, begin dipping them in the white chocolate. I use this Wilton candy dipping spoon to help.
5. Place on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper.  Lightly dust the sprinkles on the top of the freshly dipped cookies.
6. Allow about 30 minutes for the chocolate candy melt to cool and dry.
7. Place in cupcake liners for presentation purposes. Store in an airtight container.

How easy is that?! These are great because you can make them ahead of time. Add them to your dessert board this 4th of July!

These are delicious! Such a fun and festive treat for any occasion.

 The best part?  You can totally adapt this to whatever theme or holiday you want, just change up the sprinkles! Give them a try!  I promise you won’t be disappointed!

And, if you are looking for more fun Oreo recipes, here are some other favorites:

• Oreo Cookie Mummies
• Lemon Oreo Ice Cream Cake
• Reese’s Stuffed Dark Chocolate Oreo Cookies
• Peppermint Oreo Truffles
• Cinnamon Bun Oreo Balls

If you give this recipe a try, snap a pic and share to our Facebook page! I’d love to see all of the variations on this fun treat!

The post Candy Dipped Oreos appeared first on Create Craft Love.

I had some left over cake pop holders from a NYE post I did several years ago. Figured I could do something cute to revive them for 4th of July!

This is an easy holiday craft that requires no cutting machine!

Supplies to make Rocket Confetti Poppers

• Cake pop holders
• Scrapbook paper
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Washi tape (optional)
• Confetti

These rockets are similar to the ones I used to create the Firecracker Rag Wreath. You can use that tutorial to make candy filled rockets!

Start by wrapping the cake pop holder with scrapbook paper. I measure the length of the holder and then cut a strip of scrapbook paper that wide. Attach to cake pop holder with washi tape or hot glue.

Wrap the strip of scrapbook paper and secure with washi tape or hot glue.

To make the pointy rocket top, cut a circle out of scrapbook paper. Four inches seemed to be the perfect size.

After you cut out the scrapbook paper circles, cut a slit from the edge of the circle to the middle of the circle. Pull the edge around and glue in place.

Add hot glue to the lid of the cake pop holder and attach the cone you created from your scrapbook circles.

Fill the cake pop holder with confetti and secure shut with cone/lid.

These Rocket Confetti poppers are so much fun! Plus they are little kid safe and mom approved!

If you don’t have cake pop holders, use empty toilet paper rolls! You can create the push mechanism with a kabob skewer and piece of cardboard! Get creative!

If you make these Rocket Confetti Poppers, hop over to our Facebook page and share a pic! I love seeing your creativity through your eyes!

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Oh I how I love some Americana decor for the summer! Red, white and blue is such an easy color scheme and it can be kept up all summer long. We have two board and batten walls and I like to add some seasonal bunting or garland to change it up between seasons. You could add it to your fireplace mantle too!

This American Flag Bunting Printable is a one page download with two flags on it. Print as many as you want for the space you need to cover!

Simply download the printable at the link listed below. Open the file on your computer and print on white cardstock. White cardstock is more durable and will last longer. Cut out the flags and hole punch the corners. I strung it up with some red and white baker’s twine but you can use whatever you have on hand.

I tend to be a little OCD about the separation between each flag. Add some washi tape or glue dots to maintain the spacing!

Click HERE to download your American Flag Bunting Printable!

All printables are for PERSONAL use only!  Please do not re-sell, redistribute or claim as your own.  If this printable is posted to the internet, please give credit and link back to Create.Craft.Love.

Download directions:  Click link above.  This will bring up a Google Drive folder.  Click the download icon at the top.  This will save the folder to your computer.  Simply open the file and print!  YOU DO NOT NEED TO ASK PERMISSION TO VIEW.

If you’re looking for more 4th of July Printables, check out these!

Independence Day Free Printable

4th of July Sparkler Printables

4th of July Scavenger Hunt Printable

Red, White and BBQ Printable

The ULTIMATE Guide to 4th of July Printables

Summer Photo Props Printable

The post American Flag Bunting Printable appeared first on Create Craft Love.

4th of July is one of my favorite holidays! We have a big family gathering for food, fireworks and fun. We spend all day eating great food and shooting off fireworks. The grandparents always want the kids to get together for group pics and inevitably there is whining involved. In order to make those moments a little more fun and tolerable for the kids, I whipped up this Summer Photo Props Printable!

Some day, Reed is going to be sick of me exploiting him for blog posts but thankfully today is not that day. He has put up with blog photos for 10 years and still going strong!

Each download includes 9 pages of new and unique Summer Photo Props Printables. Simply download the file from the link below. Once the file is downloaded, open on your computer and print on white cardstock. Then you can cut out each photo prop and attach to craft sticks or paper straws with washi tape or glue dots. If you’re feeling extra fancy, laminate these photo props for future use!

The best part is these photo props can be used for any summer holiday – Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day!

Click HERE to download your Summer Photo Props Printable!

All printables are for PERSONAL use only!  Please do not re-sell, redistribute or claim as your own.  If this printable is posted to the internet, please give credit and link back to Create.Craft.Love.

Download directions:  Click the link above.  This will bring up a Google Drive folder.  Click the download icon at the top.  This will save the folder to your computer.  Simply open the file and print!  YOU DO NOT NEED TO ASK PERMISSION TO VIEW.

If you’re looking for more 4th of July Printables, check out these!

Independence Day Free Printable

4th of July Sparkler Printables

4th of July Scavenger Hunt Printable

Red, White and BBQ Printable

The ULTIMATE Guide to 4th of July Printables

The post Summer Photo Props Printable appeared first on Create Craft Love.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Get it?  Red wine and boozed – red, white and blue?  I just thought that was so cute I had to put it on wine glasses!  

Materials needed for 4th of July Wine Glass

Cricut Explore or Maker
White adhesive vinyl
Light grip mat
Basic tool set
Transfer tape
Fine point blade
Wine glass

1. Begin by downloading the free file below and upload into Cricut Design Space.
2. Measure your wine glass and size image appropriately in the software.
3. Once finalized, send the image to cut and follow directions for cutting.  
4. Weed excess vinyl away from image using the basic tool set.
5. Peel back transfer tape and place directly over the image.  Use the scraper tool to burnish image to the transfer tape.  Gently peel the transfer tape away from the vinyl backing.  The vinyl image should now be on the transfer tape.
6. Arrange the transfer tape with the vinyl image on the wine glass.  Burnish with scraper tool to adhere to the wine glass.
7. Carefully peel back the transfer tape.  Your image should now be affixed to the wine glass.

This is the perfect glass to use for summer holidays!  I think I may need to make more for all of my friends…

Click HERE for your FREE 4th of July Wine Glass download!

All SVG files are for PERSONAL use only!  Please do not re-sell, redistribute or claim as your own.  If this printable is posted to the internet, please give credit and link back to Create.Craft.Love.

Download directions:  Click link above.  This will bring up a Google Drive folder.  Click the download icon at the top.  This will save the folder to your computer.  Simply open the file and print!  YOU DO NOT NEED TO ASK PERMISSION TO VIEW.

For more 4th of July party ideas, check out these 4th of July Sparkler Printables!

The post 4th of July Wine Glass | Free SVG File appeared first on Create Craft Love.

There is nothing better than a juicy, flavorful burger when you go to a cookout.  And the cool thing is everyone has a different take on how they are prepared.  One of the best burgers I have ever eaten in SW MO is at a restaurant called Black Sheep.  The burgers are TO DIE FOR!  Any of these ground beef patties are sure to satisfy!

The BEST Burger Recipes for Summer Grilling

As always, please pin from the original source!  Click the link below the picture for the recipe!

Wisconsin Butter Burger Recipe from The Cookie Rookie

Fully Loaded Burger Bowls from Family Fresh Meals

Tailgating Burgers from 4 Sons R Us

Juicy Lucy Burger from The Hungry Bluebird

Stuffed Jalapeno Cheeseburgers from Kitchen Dreaming

Jack Daniels Burgers from Host the Toast

Cowboy Burgers from Mommy Evolution

Bacon Wrapped Pineapple Burger from Tip Hero

The Ultimate Southern Burger from Grits and Pinecones

Mexican Chorizo + Garlic Shrimp Burger from Lady and Pups

Chili Cheese Burger from The Burger Artist

In and Out Burger from Dinner, Then Dessert

Korean BBQ Burger with Kimchi Slaw from The Cozy Apron

Sweet Onion Mushroom Swiss Burger from Little Spice Jar

French Dip Burger from The Suburban Soapbox

Grilled Chili Whiskey Onion Burger from Sweet C’s Designs

Taco Burger from Gimme Some Grilling

Bourbon Burger from She Knows

Grilled Burgers with Bacon Tomato Jam and Smoked Gouda from From a Chef’s Kitchen

Bacon Double Cheeseburger and Caramelized Onions from Foodie Crush

Beef Bourguignon Burger with Horseradish Creme Fraiche from The Suburban Soapbox

Mojo Beef Burgers with Tequila Lime Aioli from Striped Spatula

Big Mac Sliders from Home.Made.Interest.

Jameson Whiskey Blue Cheese Burger with Guinness Cheese Sauce from Half Baked Harvest

Candied Maple Bacon Cheddar Burgers from Cookies and Cups

Grilled Cheese Burgers from Cinnamon-Spice and Everything Nice

Gorgonzola Burger from Springlane

I am drooling over that gorgonzola burger!!  What are some of your favorite burger recipes?  Share them over on my Facebook page!

Check out some of our other Summer Cookout Recipes!

The post The BEST Burger Recipes for Summer Grilling appeared first on Create Craft Love.

4th of July Sparkler Printables

My sister should write for Hallmark!  This poem and printable she created for our Friday Freebie is so stinkin’ cute!  Every year we have a cookout and these sparkler printables will be a great addition to our holiday tradition!

Each download includes the poem and sparkler wrappers.  There are two sparkler wrappers on the page.  You can print as many copies of the sparkler wrappers as you wish.  I recommend using standard printer paper for the wrappers so they fold easily around the sparkler box.  Then place in a cute bucket or basket for your guests to enjoy!  The poem will fit perfectly in an 8 x 10 inch frame to decorate your table.  

The poem reads:

‘Twas the night of the fourth
and all through the city,
Not a creature was sleeping
’cause the skies were so pretty.

All the sparklers were lit
outside in the street
celebrating our freedom
in the hot summer heat.

Grab a pack and join in
Take one or take two.
Let’s light up the sky
for the red, white and blue!

I mean seriously, how adorable is that?!

Click HERE to download your 4th of July Sparkler Printables!

All printables are for PERSONAL use only!  Please do not re-sell, redistribute or claim as your own.  If this printable is posted to the internet, please give credit and link back to Create.Craft.Love.

Download directions:  Click link above.  This will bring up a Google Drive folder.  Click the download icon at the top.  This will save the folder to your computer.  Simply open the file and print!  YOU DO NOT NEED TO ASK PERMISSION TO VIEW.

Here’s wishing you and your families a safe and magical 4th of July!

The post 4th of July Sparkler Printables for Your Party appeared first on Create Craft Love.