Howcast

How to Have a Meaningful 4th of July Celebration

Howcast — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:31:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Display flag Display an American flag. The flag is a powerful symbol of our country that represents strength, unity, and freedom.
Step 2: Read a book Read a book about John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, or one of the other Founding Fathers.
Step 3: Write a letter Write a letter to a veteran or a soldier serving in the military.
TIP: You can search online for organizations that send letters and care packages to deployed service members.
Step 4: Learn the words Learn the words of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
TIP: Search online for the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Step 5: Read the Declaration of Independence Learn how our country became independent from Great Britain by reading the Declaration of Independence.
Step 6: Give back Give back and make a difference by donating blood, time, or money to the men and women who serve in the military.
TIP: Search online for organizations that need your help.
Step 7: Celebrate Celebrate the 4th of July with friends and family by taking the time to appreciate life, freedom, and happiness.
FACT: The raised flag over Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814, inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

You Will Need

American flag
Books about our Founding Fathers
Stationery
Time
Money
Friends and family members
Internet access (optional)

How to Have a Green 4th of July

Howcast — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:02:13 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Go to local farmers’ market Head to your local farmers’ market to purchase locally-grown or organic produce.
Step 2: Choose organic meat Choose organic hot dogs, and free range meats and poultry for your barbecue feast.
Step 3: Buy tableware Purchase biodegradable cups, recycled paper or plastic dishware, and recycled cutlery.
Step 4: Save decorations Save and reuse all your 4th of July decorations at next year’s bash.
Step 5: Choose a gas grill Choose the gas grill over charcoal. Propane produces close to half the emissions of charcoal.
Step 6: Recycle Recycle all glass, paper, and plastic.
TIP: Check online for a recycling drop-off location in your area.
Step 7: Use nitrogen fireworks Light up the sky by choosing fireworks that are rich in nitrogen. Nitrogen fireworks produce less smoke than traditional fireworks.
FACT: A hot dog eating contest has been held every year since 1916 (with the exception of 1941 and 1971 due to protests) on the 4th of July at Nathan’s Famous Coney Island in New York.

You Will Need

Farmers’ market
Organic food
Tableware
Gas grill
Recycle bins
Nitrogen fireworks
Internet access (optional)

How to Celebrate July 4th in New York City

Howcast — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:31:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Tour the city the days before Take guided tours of the city’s historic spots over the days leading up to the Fourth of July to get into the spirit.
TIP: Grab a subway map: taking the subway is the cheapest and quickest way to navigate the city.
Step 2: Visit Ground Zero Visit Ground Zero to honor those killed on September 11th, 2001.
Step 3: Picnic in the Park Have a picnic in Central Park during the afternoon of the Fourth of July. There will be organized events with food and music, or you can find your own spot to picnic.
Step 4: Watch the Hot Dog Eating Contest Go check out the famous annual International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. It’s a great American tradition, and a fun time for the family.
Step 5: View fireworks on the Hudson Go view the fireworks display on the Hudson river where tons of fireworks will be launched from several barges in the water. The New York Pops will also play during this celebration.
Step 6: Find a bar Find a bar in nearby Midtown West, Hell’s Kitchen, or the Upper West Side to cap off the night.
FACT: The flag known as the “Betsy Ross Flag,” which had the stars in a circle, wasn’t developed until after Independence Day in the 1790’s.

You Will Need

Guided tours
Picnic lunch
Stamina
Subway map (optional)

How to Celebrate July 4th in Boston

Howcast — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:31:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Attend opening ceremony Start Boston’s week of celebration with the opening ceremony to get yourself in the mood. It takes place a few days before the Fourth of July at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
TIP: Make sure you grab a schedule of events because there are a ton of events going on throughout the city during this week.
Step 2: Take a Boston tour Take a tour of Boston by water or land and learn about the rich history and see the sights of the city to further get yourself into the patriotic mood.
Step 3: Check out USS Constitution Check out the USS Constitution Museum at the Charlestown Navy Yard to learn about the great ship and how it defended the country.
Step 4: Condition your ears Condition your ears for loud noises by checking out the 19th century gun drills that take place at the Charlestown Navy Yard on most days during the week.
Step 5: Visit Paul Revere’s House Visit Paul Revere’s house to learn more about this great American hero who directly influenced the independence you’re celebrating.
Step 6: Enjoy live concerts Check out the City Hall Plaza from time to time throughout the week to see live music and celebrations.
Step 7: Watch the parade Start Independence Day by watching the parade and the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.
Step 8: Attend a Declaration of Independence reading Attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House.
Step 9: Watch the main celebration Head to the Esplanade for the famous fireworks and Boston Pops concert celebration to see the orchestra play and witness incredible fireworks.
Step 10: Find a bar Find a bar after the show and continue the celebration into the night. Happy Fourth of July!
FACT: On New Year’s Eve 2006, Portugal set the world record for the largest fireworks display with 66,326 fireworks.

You Will Need

Time to spend in Boston
Guided tours
Stamina
Schedule of events (optional)

How to Make Firecracker Shots for the 4th of July

Howcast — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:04:44 +0000

Instructions

: Don’t drink unless you’re of legal age. Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.
Step 1: Make a traditional Firecracker shot Make a traditional Firecracker shot. Pour the tequila, Rumple Minze — a strong peppermint schnapps — and Goldschlager — a cinnamon schnapps with gold flakes in it — over ice into the cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Shake and drink Cover the shaker and shake the cocktail. Hard. Then strain the cocktail into a shot glass, pledge allegiance to the flag, and slam your shot.
Step 3: Make a Midori Firecracker shot Have a Midori Firecracker shot. Pour the Midori — a melon liqueur — into the shot glass. Then, pouring slowly over the bar spoon to layer the liquids, and the apple schnapps and then the cranberry juice. Then show what they mean by home of the brave — slam your shot.
TIP: You can dial down the bravery and pour this drink over ice in a rocks glass.
Step 4: Make a Fizzing Firecracker shot Try a Fizzing Firecracker shot. In order, pour the cinnamon schnapps, hot sauce, grenadine, and club soda into the shot glass. Put your hand over the mouth of the glass, slam the glass onto the bar, shout “God bless America,” and suck down your shot.
FACT: Independence Day was first celebrated on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read to the public.

You Will Need

1/2 oz. tequila
1/2 oz. Rumple Minze
1/2 oz. Goldschlager
Ice
1 oz. Midori melon liqueur
1 oz. apple schnapps
2 oz. cranberry juice
1 oz. cinnamon schnapps
2-3 dashes hot sauce
Splash grenadine
Splash club soda
Equipment:
Cocktail shaker
Cocktail strainer
Shot glass
Bar spoon
Rocks glass (optional)

How to Celebrate the History of the 4th of July

Howcast — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 04:02:02 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Declare your independence Read the Declaration of Independence, which announced the colonists’ rebellion against the British monarchy. Focus on the second sentence, which embodies the American spirit.
TIP: Learn more about the nation’s founders by holding a fantasy draft for a Second Continental Congress All-Star Team.
Step 2: Light up Put two small lamps in one of your windows to honor patriot Paul Revere and his attempt to warn the colonists of the British army’s approach across the Charles River in Massachusetts.
Step 3: Speak out Exercise your right to free speech, guaranteed in the first amendment to the Constitution. Celebrate by having a lively but civil discussion with people who disagree with your position.
TIP: Keep an open mind in your debates — the delegates at the Constitutional Convention took more than three months to hammer out the U.S. Constitution.
Step 4: Cool down Make a batch of iced tea in honor of the Boston Tea Party, when American colonists banded together to protest the British policy of taxation without representation.
Step 5: Choose or lose If you’re 18 or older and haven’t yet registered to vote, do it. The right to vote is so important that numerous amendments to the Constitution are devoted solely to it. If you’re already registered or are under 18, sign up people in your community.
Step 6: Meet the people Go out and see America. Marvel at its natural wonders, enjoy your fellow citizens, and discover the land of the free and the home of the brave.
FACT: One of the members of the Second Continental Congress was named William Williams.

You Will Need

Declaration of Independence
2 lamps
Debate
Iced tea
Voter registration forms
Patriotism

How to Make 4th of July Cupcakes

Howcast — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:01:45 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Bake vanilla cupcakes Bake cupcakes according to your favorite recipe or with a cake mix.
Step 2: Make vanilla frosting While the cupcakes are cooling, combine the sugar, butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl; then add the milk. Beat until very well blended and fluffy, adding more milk if necessary.
Step 3: Color the frosting Divide the frosting in half, and add a few drops of red food coloring to one batch. Keep adding coloring until you get the desired shade.
Step 4: Pipe on the frosting Pipe alternating stripes of red and white frosting on the cupcakes, once they have cooled completely.
TIP: As an alternative, ice the cupcakes in white frosting and pipe on the red stripes.
Step 5: Cut stars Roll out ready-to-use blue rolled fondant and, using a mini star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars. Center one on each cupcake. Enjoy your patriotic treats!
FACT: A popular dessert in colonial Massachusetts was Marlborough pudding, a precursor to apple pie, which had a custard-like filling made from applesauce, eggs, butter, and lemon juice.

You Will Need

Cake recipe or mix
Box of confectioners’ sugar
1 stick unsalted
room temperature butter
1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
4 tsp. milk
Red food coloring
Blue rolled fondant
Cupcake baking pans
Cupcake liners
Electric mixer
Pastry bags and piping tips
Star-shaped cookie cutter

How to Bake a Statue Of Liberty Cake

Howcast — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:15:50 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the marshmallow treats Cook the marshmallow treats according to the package directions and allow them to cool.
Step 2: Bake the cake Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, pour the batter into the star-shaped pan, bake it according to package directions, and set it aside to cool.
TIP: Prepare both the cake and marshmallow treats the day before to allow both to firmly cool and set.
Step 3: Decorate Liberty island Frost the top of the cake with green frosting for the grass, and then frost the edges with gray frosting for the weathered brick.
Step 4: Clean the PVC pipe Clean the PVC pipe thoroughly and affix a 90 degree elbows at either end.
Step 5: Build the statue Use the marshmallow treats to sculpt the statue, using the pipes as a frame and buttercream frosting as mortar.
TIP: Cover the completed statue with a thin layer of frosting to create a smooth canvas.
Step 6: Cover with the fondant Wrap the statue in green fondant, being sure to create the classic folds in her dress. Use candy corn for the torch.
Step 7: Set statue in the cake Cut out a square piece from the center of the cake and set the pedestal in the hole. Stabilize Lady Liberty with frosting or fondant, and display her as the centerpiece.
FACT: While the Statue of Liberty’s copper skin weighs in at 62,000 pounds, it is outmatched by the 54 million pounds of concrete in the statue’s pedestal.

You Will Need

1 star shaped cake pan
1 box cake mix
Marshmallow rice cereal treats
Green frosting
Gray frosting
1 12-in. PVC pipe
1 inch diameter
1 90-degree PVC pipe elbow connector
Buttercream frosting
Green fondant
Candy corn

How to Make a 4th of July Hat

Howcast — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:31:33 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Trace a circle Trace the outline of a plate on white foam board and cut it out with the craft knife to make the brim.
Step 2: Make the brim Place the oatmeal container in the center of your foam board brim and trace around it.
Step 3: Put brim on Slip the brim over the oatmeal container so the brim rests on the ridge of the container.
TIP: If your oatmeal container doesn’t have a ridge, tape the brim in place.
Step 4: Glue on Glue red construction paper around the oatmeal container.
Step 5: Glue on band Measure the circumference of the container and cut a 3-inch wide blue band from construction paper. Glue the band to the oatmeal container above the brim.
Step 6: Measure Measure the length from the top of the hat to the hatband and cut eight 1-inch wide strips of white construction paper to glue onto the hat at evenly spaced intervals.
Step 7: Glue on stars Draw and cut six stars from white construction paper and glue them over the hatband.
Step 8: Make a top Trace the top of the hat on another piece of foam board, cut out the circle, and tape it onto the top of your new, patriotic, Independence Day hat.
FACT: The Fourth of July was not declared a legal holiday until 1941, 165 years after the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

You Will Need

A pen
A paper plate
White foam board
A craft knife
An empty oatmeal cylinder
Craft glue
Red construction paper
A measuring tape
Blue construction paper
Tape

How to Make a 4th of July Centerpiece Decoration

Howcast — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:15:52 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make a sand centerpiece Make sure the vase is clean and dry, and layer red, white, and blue sand in it.
TIP: Shake the vase after each layer to level the sand.
Step 2: Add flowers Arrange the red, white, and blue flowers in the sand.
Step 3: Add the flag Stick the flag in with the flowers.
Step 4: Make a candy centerpiece Line the glass with alternating red and blue gum, leaving an inch between sticks.
Step 5: Add candy Fill the glass with the mint candy.
Step 6: Garnish with the pipe cleaner Stick the pipe cleaner into the candy to look like a sparkler or a fireworks fuse.
FACT: In 2007, $207 million worth of fireworks were imported from China.

You Will Need

Clear vase
Red sand
White sand
Blue sand
Fresh red
white
and blue flowers
Small American flag
Glass jar
Scissors
Silver metallic pipe cleaner
Peppermint candy
Sticks of red and blue gum

How to Make a Statue Of Liberty Crown for the 4th of July

Howcast — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:16:20 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the band Cut 2 1/2 inches from the rim of one of the paper plates.
TIP: Measure with a ruler before cutting.
Step 2: Cut out the center Cut out the center of the plate, leaving about a 2 1/2 inch round band.
TIP: Place the plate on the child’s head to check for fit. If it is too tight, cut more from the center, leaving a smaller rim.
Step 3: Repeat Repeat these steps with the other plate.
Step 4: Draw triangles Draw three triangles on each piece of paper, 4 inches wide at the base and 9 inches tall. Cut out the triangles.
Step 5: Staple the triangles Evenly space the triangles around the headband and staple into place with the points facing outward.
Step 6: Glue the other plate Glue the second plate over the top of the first to hide the staples.
Step 7: Decorate your crown Paint your crown green to resemble the real Statue of Liberty and you are now ready to celebrate!
FACT: The French shipped the Statue of Liberty to America in 350 pieces.

You Will Need

Scissors
2 white
9-in. paper plates
Pencil
2 pieces of green construction paper
Stapler
Glue
Green paint
Paint brush
Ruler (optional)
Child (optional)

How to Make 4th of July Bald Eagles

Howcast — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:32:04 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Melt chocolate Melt the chocolate in the microwave.
Step 2: Coat marshmallow Coat each marshmallow in the melted chocolate.
TIP: Completely cover the marshmallows so the coconut sticks.
Step 3: Roll the marshmallow Roll the coated marshmallows in the shredded coconut, leaving one end of each marshmallow uncovered.
Step 4: Place on sandwich cookie Place each marshmallow on a chocolate sandwich cookie, with the uncoated side up, and let the chocolate set.
Step 5: Make a hole Make a hole in the middle of the side of each marshmallow with a toothpick and insert a cashew for the beak.
Step 6: Add eyes Draw two eyes on your eagles with decorator gel and enjoy your patriotic snacks.
FACT: In 1782, the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird of the United States.

You Will Need

1/4 c. white chocolate chips
6 marshmallows
finely shredded coconut
6 chocolate sandwich cookies
6 whole cashews
Black decorator’s gel

How to Calm Your Pets during Fireworks

Howcast — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:15:57 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Remove your pet from hoopla Bring your pet inside and close all the doors, windows, and curtains to help muffle the sounds. Turn on the television or radio as well to help drown out the noise.
Step 2: Be a calming presence Stay with your pet whenever possible and comfort them by talking and acting calmly. Avoid projecting any nervousness or stress yourself.
Step 3: Create a fallout shelter Give your pet a secure place to hide out until the loud noise abates. Invite them into a crate or kennel only if they are already familiar with it. Otherwise, place their bed in a safe place, such as under the table or bed.
Step 4: Distract with goodies Give your animal something they enjoy — such as a rawhide bone, a new toy, or catnip — to distract from their anxiety.
Step 5: Teach a new command Introduce a new command to your pup, such as “calm down” or “easy.” Dogs are quick learners and over time they will begin to understand the meaning behind your calm and reassuring words.
TIP: Exercise your dog heartily on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve. Helping your dog expend energy in advance of the stressful event will help to take the edge off.
Step 6: Habituate pets to the noise Play a recording of thunderstorms or fireworks at a low volume while rewarding your pets with praise and treats. Gradually increase the volume over time and continue with the positive reinforcement.
Step 7: Use calming concoctions Relieve stress with natural remedies, such as the scent of lavender or herbal pills or drops available without a prescription at pet stores. These purchases will be well worth the cost once you see your pet’s anxiety start to melt away.
FACT: Dogs have roughly double the hearing range of humans: 40,000 hertz versus 20,000 hertz for humans.

You Will Need

Safe place for your pet
Toy or comfort object
Recording of fireworks
Stress-relieving herbs

How to Make 4th of July Flag Invitations

Howcast — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:03:04 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create flag Make the flag on an index card using markers, crayons, colored paper, glitter glue, and stickers.
Step 2: Glue flag Glue the flag onto the popsicle stick to create a flag pole.
Step 3: Write party information Write your event details on the back of the flag.
TIP: Tape the invitation to a box of sparklers for added fun.
Step 4: Hand deliver Hand deliver the invitations to all your friends and family.
FACT: In 2007, the United States exported U.S. flags valued at $2.4 million.

You Will Need

Index cards
Markers
Crayons
Colored paper
Glitter glue
Stickers
White glue
Popsicle sticks
Pen
Boxes of sparklers (optional)
Tape (optional)

How to Make a Patriotic Pinwheel

Howcast — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:46:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Draw stars Draw the outlines of stars on one side of one sheet of the card stock and color around them with the blue marker.
TIP: You can glue silver glitter inside the stars for added pizzazz.
Step 2: Outline stripes Use your straightedge and the red marker to draw and color thick red stripes on one side of the other piece of card stock.
Step 3: Make cuts Square the blank sides of the cards together. Then make four cuts, one from each of the four corners, extending halfway to the center.
Step 4: Punch holes Punch a hole in each corner just to the left of each cut, about a half inch from the edges.
Step 5: Gather Fold each punched corner carefully toward the center, making sure not to crease the paper.
Step 6: Fasten Poke a pushpin through the four punched holes and into the pencil eraser. Blow on your pinwheel and watch the swirl of patriotic pride.
FACT: Until the Executive Order by President Taft on June 24, 1912, the order of the stars and the proportions of the flag were not prescribed. Previous flags sometimes show odd arrangements of the stars and unusual proportions.

You Will Need

2 8″ x 8″ pieces of card stock
A pencil with an eraser
Red and blue markers
A straightedge
Scissors
A hole punch
A pushpin
Glue (optional)
Silver glitter (optional)

How to Make an American Flag Out of Popsicle Sticks

Howcast — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:16:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Paint sticks Spread out the wax paper on a work surface to prevent sticking. Paint five popsicle sticks red and paint four white.
Step 2: Align Align the painted sticks horizontally, one under the other, and glue their edges so that they form a rectangle.
TIP: Alternate red and white sticks, starting and ending with a red stick.
Step 3: Glue sticks together Glue an unpainted stick to the far right edge of the rectangle for the start of the flagpole. Then use the craft knife and cut two popsicle sticks to the height of the rectangle. Glue them at the middle and the left edge of the rectangle.
Step 4: Cut star square Cut a small square out of the construction paper and glue it to the corner of the flag on the side opposite the unpainted sticks. Use a star stamp with white paint or a white gel pen to draw the flag’s stars.
TIP: If you’re making this with a child, explain that the U.S. flag has 50 stars to represent the 50 states, and 13 stripes that represent the original colonies.
Step 5: Lengthen the pole Glue another popsicle stick to the one serving as the flagpole to make the pole longer.
Step 6: Proudly wave Wave your flag proudly on Independence Day, Memorial Day, or whenever you want to show your patriotism.
FACT: The stars and stripes of the early American flag originated from a resolution adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on June 14, 1777.

You Will Need

Wax paper
A work surface
13 Popsicle sticks
Red acrylic paint
White acrylic paint
Two paintbrushes
Craft glue
A craft knife
Blue construction paper
A star stamp or white gel pen

How to Make a Flag Cake

Howcast — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:04:18 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Bake a sheet cake Bake a sheet cake using your favorite recipe or cake mix. While the cake bakes, hull and slice the strawberries, if you’re using them.
Step 2: Transfer cake When the cake is done and cooled, transfer it to your serving plate. Put wax or parchment paper under the edges of the cake to keep the plate clean of frosting.
TIP: Trim any raggedy edges with a serrated knife.
Step 3: Apply frosting Using a spatula, frost the cake with vanilla or cream cheese frosting, real whipped cream, or whipped topping. Save enough frosting to fill a large pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
Step 4: Outline the flag Outline the pattern of the American flag on the cake using a toothpick.
Step 5: Fill in the stars Fill in the upper left-hand corner “star” section with a layer of blueberries.
Step 6: Start the stripes Place a row of raspberries or sliced strawberries across the upper edge of the cake to form the first red stripe.
Step 7: Pipe stars Pipe a row of stars below the red berries to form the first white stripe.
Step 8: Repeat Repeat until you have seven red and six white stripes. Serve or refrigerate.
FACT: In the 1700s, July 4th was celebrated with an Independence Cake, made with wine, brandy, nutmeg, cinnamon, and raisins.

You Will Need

A 12- by 18-inch sheet cake
1 1/2 pt blueberries
washed
1 1/2 pt strawberries or raspberries
washed
6 c. frosting
A serving plate
Wax or parchment paper
A serrated knife
A spatula
A toothpick
A large pastry bag
A star tip

How To Make Founding Fathers’ Plantation Punch

Howcast — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:47:15 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Mix ingredients Pour the first three ingredients into a bowl, stir briskly with ice until the sugar is dissolved, and then strain into a punch bowl.
Step 2: Stir in the water Stir in the water.
Step 3: Float the port Float the port on top.
TIP: Substituted sweet sherry for port.
Step 4: Garnish with fruit Garnish with orange and lemon slices.
Step 5: Toast the colonies Do as the newly liberated colonists did: Make 13 toasts, in honor of the first American states.
FACT: The recipe for Plantation Punch is thought to have been invented in the 17th century.

You Will Need

12 oz. bourbon
6 oz. sugar
24 oz. rum
Ice
48 oz. sparkling water
6 oz. port
One orange and two lemons
sliced
A large bowl
A strainer
A punch bowl
Sweet sherry

How to Make Patriotic Popsicles

Howcast — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:01:19 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your drinks In separate containers, pour one batch each of your favorite red, clear, and blue powdered or premixed drinks or juices.
Step 2: Start with red Fill your popsicle molds a third of the way full with the red liquid. Freeze the molds for a couple of hours, until the liquid is just solid enough to support a popsicle stick. Push a stick in the center of each mold, and refreeze until the liquid fully sets.
TIP: Small paper cups will also work instead of popsicle molds.
Step 3: Layer in clear Remove your molds from the freezer, and pour in enough clear drink to fill them two-thirds of the way. Pop them back into the freezer for a few hours until these white layers are firm.
TIP: For a very white layer, use whipped topping or diluted coconut milk instead of a clear drink.
Step 4: Finish with blue Take your molds out of the freezer, fill them the rest of the way with your blue liquid, and freeze until solid. Enjoy your treats on the Fourth of July—or any hot summer day!
FACT: Because of additives that lower its freezing point, Gatorade takes longer to freeze than water.

You Will Need

Red
clear
and blue powdered drinks or juices
A freezer
A popsicle mold
Popsicle sticks
Paper cups
Whipped topping or coconut milk

How to Set Off Fireworks Safely

Howcast — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:01:19 +0000

Instructions

: Fireworks can be incredibly dangerous. Never let kids play with or light fireworks.
Step 1: Make sure it’s legal Make sure that setting off fireworks is legal in your area. Your local police precinct or firehouse will be able to tell you.
Step 2: Buy only legitimate fireworks Buy only legal fireworks from a reputable manufacturer. Legitimate fireworks will contain an item number, brand name, and instructions.
TIP: M-80s, M-100s, blockbusters, quarter pounders, and cherry bombs are not fireworks; they are illegal explosives.
Step 3: Keep away from children Keep children and pets out of range at all times to protect them and their hearing—and to make sure animals don’t get scared and bolt.
Step 4: Pick a safe spot Pick a safe spot to set off your display, meaning an open space with a flat, solid, level surface. It should be at least 30 feet away from people, homes, cars, and flammable materials like dry brush. Don’t set off fireworks in strong winds.
Step 5: Light them from a distance Keep at a safe distance when you light fireworks by using a butane stove lighter, extra long matches, or a punk lighter, which is a smoldering slow-burning stick. Hold the lighter at arm’s length, and don’t hover over the device as you light it.
: Never set off fireworks in a container.
Step 6: Set off one at a time Set off fireworks one at a time. Eye protection is strongly recommended.
Step 7: Stay away from duds Don’t try to reignite a firework that doesn’t go off. Leave it alone for at least 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
TIP: Keep a garden hose, a pail of water, or a fire extinguisher nearby in case you need to put out flames.
Step 8: Don’t throw fireworks Do we even have to say it? Never throw fireworks or direct them toward anyone. Don’t light them in your hand—and don’t carry them in your pocket, either!
Step 9: Know how to handle an emergency If your clothing catches fire, drop to the floor and roll on the ground. If you get something in your eye, don’t touch, rub, or rinse it. Just head straight for the emergency room.
Step 10: Dispose of debris safely When the fun is done, gather up all the firework debris and give it a good soaking before putting in a trash container.
FACT: Between 9,000 and 10,000 people are taken to the hospital each year for fireworks-related injuries, with nearly half of the victims under the age of 15.

You Will Need

Legal fireworks
An open space away from flammables
An extended lighter
A source of water
Safety glasses

How to Grill a Perfect Burger

Howcast — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:47:22 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Start with good meat Get a butcher to grind chuck beef for you with a 15% fat content. (More fat and it will just drip off the meat and cause fire flare-ups; less and your burger will be dry.) If possible, buy the meat the day you’re going to cook it.
TIP: Ask the butcher to grind the meat twice, once in the coarse plate of the grinder and then through the fine plate.
Step 2: Form half-inch patties Form half-inch-thick patties. Handle the meat as little as possible, so you don’t squeeze out the juices.
Step 3: Season the beef Season the patties by sprinkling the tops with whatever you like—salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic, and so on.
Step 4: Fold the patties Fold the patties over and reshape them so that the seasoning is now in the middle of the burger.
Step 5: Make an indentation Make a small indentation in the center of the burger with your thumb. This prevents the center from swelling, leading to uneven cooking.
Step 6: Refrigerate the patties Place the patties between stacks of waxed paper and refrigerate them for a few hours. Burger meat is best cooked cold.
Step 7: Get the grill ready Light the grill, and when it’s hot enough, take the patties out of the fridge, spritz them with a little cooking oil or brush them with some melted butter, and put them on the grill.
TIP: Don’t press down on the patties with your spatula as they’re cooking! It will just make you lose those tasty juices, leading to dry burgers.
Step 8: Cook until done Cook until your burgers reach the desired doneness. A medium burger should take about four minutes—three on one side, then one after you flip it.
TIP: To avoid E. coli contamination, avoid eating burgers that are still raw in the middle.
Step 9: Add cheese If you want a cheeseburger, slice the cheese thinly and put in on the burgers when the patties are almost ready to come off the grill. Now is the time to put that sliced bun on the grill, too. Brush it lightly with butter before toasting.
Step 10: Dig in! Add your lettuce, onion, tomato, ketchup, pickles, relish, or whatever, and enjoy!
FACT: Athens, Texas, Seymour, Wisconsin, and New Haven, Connecticut, all claim to be the birthplace of the hamburger.

You Will Need

85% lean ground chuck
Seasonings
Wax paper
A grill
Oil
Butter
Buns
Cheese
Condiments