When the 4th of July arrives, people often think about the backyard BBQ or camping trips, but there's also the many thoughts of the red, white and blue. And what better way to pay homage to those thoughts than to put together desserts with that theme that are as lovely as they are delicious?
Not surprisingly, desserts that feature these colors often incorporate fresh, seasonal berries. The great news about that is berries like blueberries and strawberries are both delicious and nutritious! High in antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, adding fresh fruit to your desserts can only help to make sure that you have many more years of fireworks displays to attend!
In honor of Independence Day and all the flag waving that accompanies it, here are three great ways to let your true colors (that is, red, white and blue!) shine on your dessert plate!
All American Layered Dessert
- 1 large pkg. berry blue jello
- 1 large pkg. red jello -- any flavor
- 4 c. boiling water
- 2 c. cold water
- 8 oz. non-diary whipped topping -- thawed
- 4 c. cubed angel food cake
- 2 c. sliced strawberries
- 1/2 c. blueberries
Dissolve the berry blue jello in 2 cups of boing water. In a separate bowl, dissolve the red jello the other 2 cups of boiling water. Stir in 1 cup of cold water into each bowl. Pour into the jello into separate 9x13" pans and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm. Cut each pan of jello into 1/2" cubes.
Place the blue jello cubes in the bottom of a clear glass trifle bowl. Top the jello with 1/3 of the whipped topping. Add the cake cubes, then the sliced strawberries. Top with another 1/3 of the whipped topping. Add the red jello cubes and then the remaining whipped topping.
Sprinkle the blueberries over the top. Assemble shortly before serving.
- Yields: 8-10 servings
- Preparation Time: about 3 hours
Red, White & Blueberry Banana Parfaits
- 4 ripe bananas
- 2 c. blueberries
- 2 c. sliced strawberries
Peel and slice the bananas thinly in a single layer on a sheet of aluminum foil; cover and put them in the freezer just until they are frozen -- about 20-25 minutes.
Arrange the banana slices between a layer of blueberries and strawberries in four tulip sundae bowls.
Top this dessert with a big dollop of whipped cream!
- Yields: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Flag Pizza
- 1 pint strawberries -- hulled and halved
- 1 pint blueberries
- 4 tsp. sugar -- divided
- 1 T. brandy
- 4 6-inch pizza crusts -- like Boboli
- 1 1/2 c. whipped topping -- thawed
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Combine the strawberries, blueberries, 1 teaspoon of the sugar and the brandy.
Sprinkle the pizza crust with the remaining sugar.
Bake the pizza crust for 6-8 minutes on a baking sheet; cool slightly.
Fill the crust with the strawberries and blueberries.
Serve with a big dollop of whipped topping.
- Yields: 4 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes