Since elementary school, we’ve been taught what Independence Day, better known as the 4th of July, is all about: freedom, liberty, and an assortment of other historical jargon. All of that’s important, but I believe America’s big day is also about celebrating the little things that make this country so great. Granted we have a lot of issues here in the USA, but there is also much to be grateful for. We are very blessed to live in this country, and that is something worth recognizing on the 4th of July.

What’s my favorite part of the country to celebrate? The food, of course! Down home American eats are about as good as it gets: juicy burgers hot off the grill, comforting mac & cheese, warm apple pie, gooey s’mores, and just about anything deep-fried. One of my favorite American treats comes from my childhood, and is often overlooked: pudding pops. It was a special occasion when we had those creamy popsicles in the freezer. I went nuts for those things! Why haven’t I eaten a pudding pop in so long? I think we all need to be reminded of our old friend, the pudding pop. Let us revisit what American childhoods are made of and make us some homemade pudding pops.

Did you know how easy these guys are to make at home? All you do is whip up some instant pudding and pile it into a popsicle mold. Don’t have popsicle molds? Never fear! You can use little plastic cups and popsicle sticks. Food dye gives each layer its patriotic colors, but you can add flavors to coordinate with the colors too. Make the red cherry, the blue berry, or whatever you like! However, there ain’t nothing wrong with sticking to a classic vanilla pudding pop.

Whether you’re throwing a big 4th of July BBQ, or just having a small family dinner, these pops are the perfect sweet treat to serve. They’ll be icy and refreshing in the summer heat while their festive red, white, and blue hues bring out your American pride. Adults and kids alike will smile with a pudding pop in hand.

All you need is a patriotic pudding pop and some fireworks to really ring in the 4th!

A Few Tips Before You Get Cooking:

1. Make sure you allow enough time for these to freeze completely.
2. These pops aren’t limited to Independence Day. You can make any flavor, any color pudding pops you want.
3. I found cute, inexpensive popsicle molds at my grocery store.

Red, White, & Blue Pudding Pops
By The Smart Cookie Cook

Makes about 12 pops (may vary depending on the size of your popsicle molds)

Ingredients:

• 2 packets vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding
• 4 cups COLD milk
• red food dye
• blue food dye
• assorted flavors, if desired

Directions:

1. Whisk the pudding and milk together until thickened, about 5 minutes. Divide pudding equally amongst three bowls. Add red food dye to one bowl, blue dye to another, and leave the last bowl white. You may add more or less dye to achieve your desired shade. If you are adding extracts or flavors to the pudding, do so now.
2. Add one color of pudding to a popsicle mold, filling it one-third of the way. Add the next color on top, being careful not to mix the colors, filling another third of the mold (it should be two-thirds full at this point). Add the final color on top. It does not matter what order of colors you do. It’s up to you!
3. Place the sticks into the mold and freeze until completely firm and frozen, about 4 hours. Pop out of the molds and enjoy.