Nothing more American: Brands of National Identity

For those thinking of celebrating American Independence Day, why not be really Patriotic and celebrate with America's No.1 Chocolate 'Hershey's' A perfect gift for a Host or Hostess are Hershey's Kisses or Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. If you are hosting a party, here are some recipes using Hershey's Chocolate which will delight your guests.

Peanut Butter Kisses

• One and a half cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• Half teaspoon salt
• Half cup unsalted butter, softened
• Three quarters cup creamy peanut butter
• Third of a cup of granulated suger
• Third of a cup of light brown sugar firmly packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional granulated sugar [for rolling cookie balls in]
• 48 Hershey's Chocolate Kisses unwrapped
• Heat oven to 375. F

Place about half a cup sugar for rolling in an 8-inch cake pan. Set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. In a large bowl beat butter and peanut butter until well blended. Beat in granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla and beat until well blended. Gradually mix reserved dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Portion out the dough and shape into balls. Roll balls in sugar. Place balls about 2 inches apart on a large un-greased cookie sheet. Bake until just turning a light golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes, rotating if necessary for even baking. Remove from oven and immediately place 1 Hersheys Chocolate Kiss in the center of each cookie. Press down firmly. Cool. Makes about 48 cookies.

Hershey's Chocolate Cake

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 4 plain chocolate Hershey's bars
• 2 small cans of chocolate syrup
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 and half cups plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• Half teaspoon soda
• 1 cup of shortening

Sift dry ingredients together. Melt Hershey's bars and add to mixture. Add and beat one egg at a time. Add shortening and milk. Add chocolate syrup. Bake in greased tube pan at 300 degrees to start [about half an hour] and finish on about 350 degrees until done. Test with a toothpick. Ice with glaze or your favorite icing.

Celebrate Independence Day in traditional American style!

Enjoy!