Hi Friends! Today we are on our way to Dallas to spend a week with family and friends - we'll be there to celebrate during 4th of July weekend and I can't wait to soak up some of that Texas summer sun. It will be so good to be "home" for a while! After that, we'll have a few more days in a hotel until our apartment is ready. I hope to do some cooking at my in-law's while we are in Dallas, as I've missed having a kitchen these past few weeks with the move transition! In the meantime, as I'm sure you all are thinking about what to make for the 4th of July, I've compiled a round up of healthy, fresh, patriotic-themed recipes for your enjoyment. These red, white and blue dishes are sure to be crowd-pleasers but won't break the calorie bank or negate all that work you've been doing to be in "swimsuit shape." *wink wink* Enjoy!
{Recipes listed from left to right in photo}
1. Blueberry, Strawberry, and Jicama Salsa via Two Peas and Their Pod - this colorful salsa is filled with bountiful summer berries and a jicama - an edible root common in South American cuisine that has a mild flavor and crunchy texture. Serve this on grilled chicken, fish tacos, pile it on salads, or as a side with chips.
2. Mini Strawberry Shortcakes via Bakers Royale - I just loveeeeee dessert "stacks." The presentation of these is just adorable, and it's a fresh take on the usual slice of angel food cake with berries spooned on top. Make these for a chance to "wow" your guests!
3. Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries via Dessert Now, Dinner Later - this simple recipe lends to an elegant presentation when you use a piping bag fitted with a start tip to pipe the filling in the berries. And who doesn't love bite-sized desserts? The help you keep portions in check....or allow you to try a bite of everything!
4. Red, White and Blue Frozen Yogurt Bark via Honey and Birch - I was so intrigued when I found this recipe for a frozen "bark" made out of Greek yogurt! I'm thinking this would be delicious with all kinds of flavor combos - what would be your choice?
5. Summer Berry Crostini with Lemon Ricotta + Honey via Ambitious Kitchen - these little "toasts" are the perfect way to use up an abundance of berries from the farmer's market. Serve with local honey for a farm-to-table appetizer, and go ahead and use full-fat ricotta for that creamy, velvety mouthfeel. You will only be eating a little in these bite-sized treats!
6. Patriotic Salad via Yummy Mummy Kitchen - I just love the way this salad has watermelon shaped like stars in it! You could get so creative with this....be sure to serve in a pretty glass trifle dish so everyone can see your work of art!
7. 4th of July Toast via Taste and Tell - this one's for the kiddos - let them showcase their artsy side by making their own "flags" with toast and various toppings for 4th of July breakfast or lunch.
8. Grilled Strawberry, Blackberry, Basil and Brie Pizza Crisps via Half Baked Harvest - these stunning little pizzas had to be on my list for 2 reasons: 1. Pizza is my favorite food and 2. I love serving fruit in savory creations. Sold!
9. Patriotic Caprese Stacks via Skinny Taste - another recipe with watermelon stars! Any reason to cut fruit with cookie cutters is a good one, and caprese salad is one of my favorite summer treats.
10. Red, White and Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles via The View from Great Island - serve these fresh and fruity pops poolside while you get your grill on!
11. Red, White and Blue Fruit Salsa with Patriotic Star Chips from B-Inspired Mama - this fruit salsa is super kid-friendly and you can let those kiddos be involved in the cooking process by letting them cut the tortillas into stars before baking {with a cookie cutter, of coarse!}.
12. Blueberry Watermelon Slushie via Food and Wine - skip 7-Eleven on the 4th and make your own slushie with fresh fruit - your waistline will thank you and your body will be refreshed with the antioxidant-rich hydration this frozen treat provides.
13. Patriotic Watermelon Cake via Apron Strings - you could go all out with this recipe. I'm thinking it would make an amazing centerpiece for your food table on the 4th - maybe even have a watermelon cake creation contest so everyone can get involved!
14. Frozen Banana Berry Cake via the Hungry Couple - if you love the banana "ice cream" that's been the rage over recent summers, use it in a healthified ice cream cake and enjoy without guilt!
15. Watermelon Fruit Pizza via Six Sisters Stuff - this would be another great option to serve if you know there will lot's of kids at your Independence Day celebration. Have the watermelon "pizzas" already cut and sliced with toppings laid out - kids can then decorate their own slice!
I’d also love to feature your creation in my weekly newsletter, so you can upload a photo to Instagram with the tag @sweetcayenne5 to be featured! Quick and easy recipe videos are available on my YouTube channel, and you will find lots of menu inspiration on my Pinterest boards.
