Have a Sizzling, Sparkling Fourth

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jun 28, 2012) - (Family Features) On July 4th, the perfect party calls for friends, food, fireworks and plenty of red, white and blue.

"It's an easy party to pull off," says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton. "Our celebration experts have created a patriotic themed spread of sweet and savory treats to provide star-spangled fun for everyone."

Start the festivities off with a bang using festive tableware and decorations like 4th of July party pics -- a simple way to add spark to any celebration. Play up the Independence Day theme throughout -- from beverage to dessert.

"Serve an easy-to-eat meal dressed up with holiday colors," says Siler. "All Star Sliders on Cornbread Buns are a delicious spin on the classic burger. The cornbread buns are baked using the Wilton Star Whoopie Pie Pan to add a festive twist to the traditional bun. Patriot's Peanut Butter Popcorn -- a yummy mix of popcorn, peanut butter and colored candies -- is an ideal salty-sweet treat. Packed in star-studded gift bags, this easy-to-make goodie is a party favorite and a perfect take-home for guests."

Cool down when the temperature rises with refreshing, fruity Red and Blue Raspberry Lemonade. Have a blast decking out the glasses with stripes, stars and swirls using edible blue Sparkle Gel.

What's more fun than the fireworks finale? Dessert! Guests will ooh and aah over Banana Split Surprise Cake -- a decadent dessert with a surprise strawberry ice cream center. It's a new take on cake and ice cream, great for serving a crowd.

Visit www.wilton.com for more celebration ideas or to order baking and decorating supplies.

All Star Sliders on Cornbread Buns
Makes 12 buns and 12 sliders
Cornbread Buns
	3/4	cup all-purpose flour
	3/4	cup yellow cornmeal
	1	tablespoon granulated sugar
	2	teaspoons baking powder
	3/4	teaspoon salt
	1/2	teaspoon black pepper
	3/4	cup sour cream
	2	tablespoons vegetable oil
	2	eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray Star Whoopie Pie Pan with vegetable cooking spray.

In medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and pepper. Add sour cream, oil and eggs, stirring just until smooth. Fill cavities 3/4 full, spreading batter to edges of star.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until center of bun springs back when touched. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove to cooling grid. Repeat with remaining batter.

Sliders
	3/4	pound ground chuck
	1	egg, lightly beaten
	1/2	small yellow onion, minced (about 1/3 cup)
	1/3	cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
	1	teaspoon garlic powder
	3/4	teaspoon salt
	1/4	teaspoon chili powder
	5	to 6 dashes hot sauce, or to taste

Preheat grill or broiler to medium high heat.

In large bowl, combine all ingredients until well incorporated. Form into twelve 2-1/2-inch patties. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Serve with star buns and your favorite condiments.

Patriot's Peanut Butter Popcorn
Makes about 8 cups
	1	bag (3.2 ounces) butter flavored microwave popcorn
	1/2	cup peanut butter
	1/4	cup firmly-packed brown sugar
	1	bottle (3 ounces) Patriotic Nonpareils or other patriotic sprinkles
	1	package (12 ounces) Red Candy Melts Candy

Make popcorn according to package directions. In large bowl, microwave peanut butter and brown sugar for 1 minute; stir to combine. Add popcorn and stir until well coated. Sprinkle liberally with nonpareils, stirring to distribute. Spread onto parchment-lined sheet pan.

Melt Candy Melts Candy according to package directions. Drizzle over popcorn. Let set at least 10 minutes before serving.

Red and Blue Raspberry Lemonade
Makes about 8 servings
	1-1/3	cups (about 6 ounces) fresh raspberries, divided
	1	can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate
		Water
		Blue Sparkle Gel

Place one raspberry in each cavity of the Star Ice Cube Silicone Mold. Cover with water; freeze several hours to set. Reserve remaining raspberries.

In large pitcher, mix lemonade according to package instructions. In food processor or blender, pulse remaining raspberries until smooth; strain through sieve to remove seeds. Stir raspberry puree into lemonade. Serve with raspberry ice cubes in glasses decorated with Blue Sparkle Gel.

Banana Split Surprise Cake
Makes 8 to 10 servings
	2-3/4	cups all-purpose flour
	1	teaspoon baking soda
	1	teaspoon baking powder
	1/2	teaspoon salt
	1	cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
	1-3/4	cups granulated sugar
	4	eggs
	2	teaspoons vanilla extract
	3	ripe bananas, mashed (about 1-1/4 cups)
	1	cup sour cream
	1	cup (about 8 ounces) hot fudge sauce
	1	pint (about 2 cups) strawberry ice cream, softened
	1	box (10 ounces) Vanilla Whipped Icing Mix
		Fresh strawberries, halved
		Star Pics

Preheat oven 350°F. Spray Fancy Fill pans from set with vegetable cooking spray.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and mashed banana; mix well. Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream; blend thoroughly but do not overmix. Pour into prepared pans.

Bake 33 to 38 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on rack; remove from pan and cool completely.

Divide fudge sauce and spread evenly into cavities of cake; freeze 10 minutes. At same time, remove strawberry ice cream to soften. Fill cake cavities with ice cream. Assemble cake by inverting top layer onto bottom layer.

Prepare icing mix according to package directions. Ice top and sides of cake; freeze at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. Garnish with strawberries and star pics.

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