They may not sparkle or explode, but these cupcakes are just the thing for your Fourth of July celebration. Bake cupcakes in foil cups, spread them generously with white frosting, and decorate with fresh blueberries and raspberries.
What could be sweeter than a village of bite-size houses built from bricks of chocolate-gingerbread cake? To make these party favors, cut a sheet cake into 75 one-inch squares. Cut 25 of the squares in half diagonally, creating 50 triangles. Place a triangle, cut side down, on top of each remaining square, using a dab of frosting to adhere. Tuck in small pieces of red licorice for chimneys, and dust with confectioners' sugar before arranging on place cards.
Surprise guests with sorbet masquerading as a favorite summer fruit. Mango sorbet has a particularly convincing color.
Scoop it into a dish, and top with a clove and lemon verbena leaves. Small mint or basil leaves also work well.
Here's a sweet idea: Use leftover candy to create a make-it-yourself ice cream sundae party. Simply chop the treats into bits, and set them out in small bowls so everyone can choose a favorite topping. Our assortment includes candy sticks, toffee bars, and chocolate-covered almonds, but any candies or nuts will work well.
Keep bugs, leaves, and other unwelcome guests from joining you for drinks by topping glasses with these jaunty little hats (otherwise known as baking cups). Cut a small X into the center of each liner, poke a straw through the hole, and enjoy your beverage worry- (and pest-) free.
Paper cups, fancyflours.com.
When you're looking for a cool, healthy treat, think granita. Then take a shortcut and enjoy this easy version. The refreshing dessert is typically made by freezing a mixture of sugar, water, and flavorings and scraping it often as ice crystals form. This variation calls for just one ingredient and no scraping. Freeze any juice -- we used grapefruit -- in an ice cube tray; pliable silicone ones are ideal. When solid, pulse 3 to 5 cubes per serving in a food processor until shards form. Serve the granita in a pretty glass. (Or freeze it in an airtight container for a day or two.)
