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

The entertaining experts from Wilton have plenty of ideas to add star power to the occasion, beginning with the decorations. Festive stars and stripes napkin rings in red, white and blue dress-up napkins, and containers of colorful blossoms to brighten up the table. Then, on to the main course. Serve an all-American favorite of grilled burgers and corn on the cob, appropriately topped with a star-shaped pat of butter.

The grand finale is always part of this all-American celebration. Star-shaped Patriotic Pops 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 of youngsters and grownups alike. 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. Homemade brownies and buttery vanilla cookies bracketing the ice cream of your choice are a cut above ice cream truck offerings. The new ice cream sandwich pan from Wilton ensures perfectly shaped cookies for every treat. 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 and decorate with sprinkles for a fun and festive finish.

Even beverages can boast the star treatment. Star-shaped ice cube kabobs in the colors of the day are a celebratory way to keep lemonade icy cold – or chill the holiday cocktail. Visit www.wilton.com for more celebration ideas, to order decorating supplies, the Ice Cream Sandwich Pan or the Silicone Star Ice Kabob Molds.

ICE CREAM SANDWICHES Brownies:

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter

1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray. 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 two tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly. Bake eight 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.

Vanilla Cookies:

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

½ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup firmly-packed light brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon extract, orange extract or ground cinnamon (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 F. Spray Ice Cream Sandwich Pan with vegetable pan spray. 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 two tablespoons batter into each pan cavity, spreading evenly. Bake eight 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.

To Assemble:

1 quart ice cream, any flavor

Assorted Patriotic Mix Sprinkles and Red and Blue Sugars

White Candy Melts, melted (optional)

Scoop about ¼ 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 or dip a portion of the sandwich in melted candy melts; add sprinkles and sugars. Freeze five minutes to set, then wrap and freeze until ready to serve. Makes about a dozen ice cream sandwiches.

PATRIOTIC POPS

¼ cup (½ 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

Spray Star Cookie Treat Pan and rubber spatula or wooden spoon with vegetable pan spray. 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-percent power 30 to 60 seconds to soften.) Outline treat as desired with Cookie Icing; add candy and licorice. Let dry at least one hour. Makes about two dozen pops.

– Courtesy of Family Features