A Star-Spangled All-American Favorite

The Independence Day holiday is rapidly approaching, and, like most of us, you're probably facing that annual dilemma - "How can I come up with something better than Aunt Gertrude's red, white, and blue frosted cupcakes for dessert?" Well, patriotic readers, your search has ended. I'm talking classic. I'm talking sweet. I'm talking about a treat that will be enjoyed by young and old alike. I'm talking...Twinkies!

That's right, this year's Fourth of July is going to be the best ever, thanks to "The Twinkies Cookbook," compiled by Theresa Cogswell and published by Hostess. There are about 50 recipes, many submitted to Hostess as part of Twinkies' 75th anniversary celebration last year.

For July 4th, you're going to want to try the berry-laden Patriotic Twinkie Pie. It's red, white, and blue, and would be the perfect centerpiece for your 4th of July picnic.

If Aunt Gertrude shows up with the cupcakes, the Scott's Spot Events Planning Team recommends that you put firecrackers in them instead of candles.