“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all  men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” -The Declaration of Independence

I love the 4th of July. Not because of the barbeque, or the fireworks, or because it’s an excuse to obnoxiously sing country songs (I do that year round…). No, I love the 4th of July because I love America and I love history and I have a hefty student loan payment to prove that!

4th of July in my family has always been low-key and simple- just family, bbq, swimming, fireworks and I usually make a dessert. Last year I made a giant s’more. Literally, a giant s’more with a graham cracker base, fudgy center and a homemade marshmallow top. It was tasty but semi-time consuming to make and it made a big mess. This year, I went simple.

4th of July Popcorn Party Mix is perfect for a 4th of July party. What can be bad about chocolate covered popcorn?! It’s super easy and the best part is that you can add to it whatever you want. I kept it easy with M&Ms and mini marshmallows but pretzels or even Oreo pieces would be a nice addition. If you need a last minute, tasty treat to bring to your bbq, look no further! How do you spend your 4th of July holiday?

-Kelly

P.S. I love history so much that I secretly hope to one day be the drunk person on this show, Drunk History. Soooo funny!!

Ingredients:

• Natural popcorn (no butter)
• 2 bags white chocolate chips
• 4 tbls milk or heavy cream
• Blue and Red M&Ms
• Mini Marshmallows
• Red and Blue food dye

Directions:

1. Make popcorn according to directions. Let cool on wax paper.
2. To make the chocolate coating, in empty one bag of white chocolate chips into a medium saucepan with 2 tbls. milk.
3. Continually stir until melted and add blue food coloring until it is the color your desire.
4. Drizzle over popcorn.
5. In another saucepan, empty the other bag of white chocolate chips with the remaining 2 tbls milk.
6. Continually stir until melted and add red food coloring. (Make sure it’s really red because it dries lighter. Case in point, mine looks a little pink!)
7. Drizzle over popcorn and let cool.
8. Once chocolate is dried, place the popcorn in a bowl and add the M&Ms and marshmallows. Stir and enjoy!