4th of July Cakes and Desserts

Creative desserts are a great way to make the holiday more festive. We've all seen the typical flag cake, and while this traditional dessert is always a good idea, this year it may be time to try something new.

In order to make a fruit flag minus the cake you will need a few simple ingredients. This fruit flag is also a healthy dessert alternative. Simply take 29 large strawberries, rinse them, cut off the stems, and halve the strawberries lengthwise.

Next, arrange 30 large blueberries in the upper left corner of a serving tray or cutting board.

Then, take 7 or so large bananas and slice them into small wedges. Arrange the banana slices in rows and top each slice with a strawberry half.

Once the flag is officially arranged, you will want to spear each fruit piece with a decorative toothpick. It is easy to find red, white and blue toothpicks as well for the occasion. Serve the fruit with a yogurt/cool whip dip if desired. This healthy treat is a great appetizer or dessert for the holiday meal.

Another dessert suited for the 4th of July is a Strawberry-Blueberry Shortcake. You will need shortcakes, 5 cups of flour, 4 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp. nutmeg, 1/4 C sugar, 1/2 cup margarine or shortening, and 2 cups of milk. You will also need 2 qts of strawberries sliced and tossed with a half cup of sugar. Also, to make whipping cream, take 1pt of whipping cream combined with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Be sure to pick up fresh blueberries for garnish.

To make the shortcakes, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Stir the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and sugar together in a large bowl. Next, slice the margarine sticks into pats and add to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix in the margarine until it is a course mixture. Make a small well in the center of the mixture and pour in the 2 cups of milk. Stir the mixture together just until it sticks together. If the dough seems very sticky, add a little bit of flour.

Turn the shortcake dough onto a lightly floured countertop or pastry cloth. Pat the dough into a 1inch thick circle, handling it as little as possible. Do not knead the dough.

Uncle Sam Desserts are great for kids to enjoy. They are easy to make and decorate, just be sure to eat them before they melt away!

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