Not a baker? No worries! Visit Sweet Cheeks Bakery (58 East Main St.) in downtown Statesboro from 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, to pick up a fresh batch of red, white and blue cupcakes.
A holiday in my home wouldn’t be complete without festive food. It’s both fun to eat and create.
In honor of this Independence Day, I’d like to share three of my favorite desserts from over the years, in hopes one may end up at your family celebration. These baked goods are easy to put together and will add a celebratory flair to any table, tailgate party or firework fiesta. With some colorful fruit and a star-shaped cookie cutter, you’ll be well on your way to a patriotic Fourth of July.
All-American Flag Cake
There are many variations of the All-American Flag Cake. I recommend starting with a boxed cake mix, the flavor of your choice. Bake the cake according to package directions in a 9-by-13 dish. Then top it with light whipped cream and design the top with fresh blueberries and raspberries. Keep it simple! You can make it as decadent or as light as you like.
Star-Spangled Fruit Tart
The Star-Spangled Fruit Tart has become a tradition in my family year after year. It’s an all-time favorite recipe of mine from Taste of Home magazine. Purchase a tube of sugar cookie dough, an 8-ounce package of cream cheese and fresh raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. Be sure you have sugar and vanilla extract on hand. It takes less than 30 minutes to assemble. You’ll need a round baking dish. The sweet, buttery crunch of the crust with the fruity, cold topping is hard to beat. It doesn’t get much easier than this!
Star-Studded Blueberry Pie
I have a lot of fun with this Star-Studded Blueberry Pie recipe. You can make the pie crust from scratch or purchase a store-bought crust, just remember to put aside extra dough for cutting out the stars. Combine fresh or frozen blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, salt and butter. Pour your filling into the crust and decorate the top with stars. To get really creative, experiment with various size cookie cutters.
The possibilities are endless! The main idea with these festive dishes is to get in the kitchen and have fun. So don your red, white and blue and roll up your sleeves — let’s get baking! For complete recipes to these dishes and more, visit my food blog at SomeKindaGood.org.
I’d like to send a very special thank-you to all those currently serving in the U.S. Military and the veterans who’ve fought for our freedom in the great U.S. of A. There’s no finer country, and I’m blessed every day because of your sacrifice.
Rebekah Faulk is a local food writer and blogger at Some Kinda Good, a Southern, coastal food blog highlighting East coast restaurant reviews and Lowcountry-inspired recipes. Email her at SKGFoodBlog@gmail.com.