Freedom, fireworks, family and food … that’s what Fourth of July is to me! I love how cookouts are filled with the traditional American fare – burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, etc.
This year, my husband and I have been invited to a a party. I’ve been asked to bring a dessert. To honor the colors of the day, and do something fun, I’m going to go with a red, white and blue theme.
Since I live a hectic life, I like to have a few go-to recipes stashed in my binder. Debbie Bankston’s One Layer White Cake recipe has become one of them. “This is a simple one layer cake made with ingredients we usually have on hand,” says Debbie. “[It’s] perfect as a shortcake with any fruit, ice cream and whipped topping.”
Honorary Kitchen Crew member Bonnie D. plans on making some fruit shortcakes now that peaches and berries are back in season. Bonnie suggests making a delicious trifle from this cake (which I think sounds great too). You can turn this one cake into many different desserts, which makes this a keeper in my book!
Starting with a store bought cake and doctoring it up is a great way to put together a quick and easy dessert (and a trick I use in a pinch).
Polly Anna’s All American Dessert is a little lighter in calories which I love – and it looks so patriotic. “You can have a beautiful dessert that is low in fat and calories,” explains Polly Anna. Angel Food cake is such a wonderfully light dessert.
Although there was enough whipped topping to make the recipe taste good, I am going to add a little more next time for presentation purposes. I think this will be a big hit and you’ll be coming back from your cookout with an empty bowl!
Christi Capps’ American Angelfood Parfait is fresh and fruity! “This is the perfect dessert for [your] Fourth of July picnic,” says Christi. “And no cooking involved!” This creamy dish is as light as a feather and tastes like a dream. Great to serve for Fourth of July or anytime you’re in the mood for a festive dessert.
What’s more American than cherry pie? And we’ve got a great recipe for you – Deborah Jean Schmidt’s Deep Dish Cherry Pie. Yummy crust and a detectable filling equals an all-star cherry pie!
“The pie really loves a scoop of vanilla ice cream when it’s hot of the oven,” suggests Deborah Jean. This turns out so pretty it’s almost a crime to eat this … almost.
“Very easy and very delicious,” is how Leslie Bowles describes her Quick Blackberry Cobbler. Honorary Crew member Ellen Bales whipped up this luscious treat and delighted by its outcome.
“The aroma that permeated my kitchen was so appetizing as this was cooking,” said Ellen. Grab some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it sounds like you’ve got a dessert your guests will love. Now that berries are back in season, this may be perfect for the cookout.
I’m not sure which of these yummy recipes I’m going to make, but I know whatever I choose will be perfect (and tasty!). I’m curious, what do you think I should bring? I hope everyone has a happy and safe Fourth of July!