Tweet

 

Happy Birthday, America, Oh Sweet Land of Liberty! Let the freedom bells ring and the choirs sing because we are proud to be Americans! All through this country, we will be celebrating Independence Day in signature American style with backyard barbecues, picnics at the park, festivals, parades, and fireworks galore. We will pay tribute to our great country with ceremonies and patriotic songs that will fill our hearts with pride and joy. On this day, we will also honor our fallen heroes and give thanks to all our courageous military men and women.

 

July 4th is simply the best holiday. It tops my holiday list for a few reasons:

 

A) I get a day off from work and this calls for a WHOOPEE! (Yes, it falls on a Wednesday this year, though, which means ex-nay on the alcohol; no one wants a hungover Thursday, but I’ll take what I can get.)

 

B) The weather... the gorgeous weather. Summer nights (minus the june bugs) just make me happy, like tail-wagging happy!

 

C) The food. The smell alone triggers salivation. Enough said.

 

D) The alchy. Because what’s a celebration without alcohol? (21 and over only, please!)

 

E) The fireworks. Even when I’m a haggard old lady, fireworks will still give me butterflies.

 

F) The desserts. Let’s just say, a league of their own.

 

Wondering what to serve your guests on the 4th of July? I have the perfect patriotic sweet treats to help you celebrate in classic Americana style! Enjoy, my friends!

 

Mini Flag Layer Cakes -- Talk about totes adorbs! These mini red velvet cakes are fun, festive, and easy to prepare. They make for a beautiful presentation and are tasty, too!

 

Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle -- “Hello friends, I’m your Vitameatavegamin girl. Are you tired, run-down, listless? Do you poop out at parties? Are you unpopular? The answer to all your problems is in this little trifle.” Gorgeous, guiltless, and dee-licious!

 

Spangled Sandwich Pops -- You could assemble these little desserts with the kiddos! Buy a box or two of ready-made ice cream sandwiches, dip in patriotic sprinkles, and voilà, a refreshing and delectable 4th of July dessert ready in no time! P.S. This is for the crafty-impaired.

 

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels -- My only beef with these pretzels is that half are dipped in chocolate... not the whole thing. What happens when you get to the end of the half dipped side? Chocolate trauma. I’ll just have to continue my chocolate binge elsewhere.

 

Festive For The Fourth -- Quite the cheerful cupcakes! These show-stoppers deserve a float and parade of their very own! Vanilla cupcakes with jimmies inside (little hoodrats), and whipped cream cheese frosting with s’more jimmies on top, have never tasted so good.

 

Ricotta Cheesecake -- Can I lure you cheesecake loyalists with this recipe? I promise it will pep up your taste buds and give your mouth an otherworldly experience. I think the fluffy and creamy texture will make you cross over to the dark side. It will be our little secret.

 

Well, friends, wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July! Feel free to take a day off from that torturous fast you call a diet and indulge in these scrumptious desserts!

 

 

- Rita Korkounian, YH Staff