If you are planning a picnic or backyard get-together for 4th of July weekend, make your sides and desserts even more special by incorporating plenty of red, white, and blue.  This means lots of fruits and vegetables that you can pick up at your local farmer's market, which will also add a healthy component to a weekend that can sometimes be drowned out by junk food.  Whether you are going out or staying in, check out these events for 4th of July weekend, and get ready to party!  Purchase some patriotic cutlery and dishware from your grocery store or local dollar store to top off the meal, and possibly consider some sparkler candles to add some fireworks to your presentation!  Stock up on red, white, and blue food and enjoy these recipes for any 4th of July party:

4th of July Fruit Salad
Alternately, this fruit salad can be made as a parfait in pre-made cups that you can chill in the freezer before serving.

Ingredients:

• 1 watermelon
• 1/2 lb blueberries
• 1 bunch of grapes
• 1 lb strawberries
• 1 container of Cool Whip

Directions: Slice watermelon into one-inch cubes, and cut strawberries in half.  Mix all of the fruit together in a large bowl.  Either cover with Cool Whip, or leave the Cool Whip on the side so that guests can add it themselves.

Patriotic Macaroni Salad
It may only be red and white, but you can add the blue by buying blue plastic spoons, or blue bowls to serve this delicious macaroni salad!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 1/2 cup minced red bell pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed, and drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup diced celery
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Pepper

Directions: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, celery, onion, and pepper.  In a smaller bowl, use a whisk to mix the mayo, sugar, vinegar, sour cream, and salt.  Take the liquid mixture and pour it over the dry ingredients, and stir them all together.  Add salt or pepper to taste, and serve.

Taco Salad Flag
For this flag, you can get a more white design by using pepperjack cheese, but if you are still a cheddar person, your guests will certainly forgive you for the tasty light orange stripes!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 package of taco seasoning
• 4 cups of tortilla chips
• 4 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup large pitted olives, cut lengthwise
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or pepperjack)
• 2-3 cups cherry tomatoes

Directions: Brown the ground beef over medium heat, and drain any excess grease.  Stir in water, salsa, and taco seasoning, and simmer uncovered for about ten minutes. Next, take out a 13x9 inch dish and line the bottom with the tortilla chips, then spread the beef over the chips.  Use the lettuce as another layer and cover the ground beef.  Arrange the olives in the upper left-hand corner to make the stars on the flag. Cover the rest of the taco salad with cheese.  Use the cherry tomatoes to make horizontal stripes across the salad.  Serve immediately.

Flag Cake
Everyone loves cake, and to add fruit on top in the design of an American flag makes this dessert even more scrumptious.

Ingredients:

• 1 package cake mix, plus ingredients needed to bake as directed
• 1 container white frosting
• 1 lb strawberries
• 1/2 lb blueberries

Directions: Prepare cake mix as directed, and bake.  Remove from the oven, and allow it to cool completely.  Then, remove the cake from the pan and cover with white frosting.  Slice the strawberries in half, and then use the strawberries and blueberries to create an American flag design across the entire top of the cake.  Serve and enjoy!