By Sharon Quercioli
July Fourth, also known as Independence Day, is a significant holiday in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This historic document declared the thirteen American colonies as a new nation, separate from British rule, and laid the foundation for the birth of the United States of America.
As the summer sun casts its golden glow across the land and laughter fills the air, a vibrant energy awakens in the hearts of Americans. It’s that time of year again, when a nation comes together to celebrate its history, its spirit, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom. July Fourth, a date etched in the collective memory, beckons us to embark on a day of joy, reflection, and gratitude. From bustling cities to small towns, from sandy shores to rolling fields, the spirit of independence weaves its way through the fabric of our nation, igniting a sense of unity that resonates with each firework burst against the night sky. It’s a day when red, white, and blue proudly color the streets, and the aroma of barbecues dances on the breeze, inviting neighbors and strangers alike to share in the simple pleasures of life. So, gather ’round, dear friends, as we delve into a world of fun, heartwarming tales, and fascinating traditions that make July Fourth a cherished moment in the tapestry of American history.
Four Healthy Red, White and Blue Recipes
Red White and Blue Sangria
A sangria that literally shows off its stars and stripes!
Ingredients
½ cup of blueberries
½ cup of sliced strawberries
1-star fruit sliced
½ cup of Smirnoff Sorbet Light Summer Strawberry
2 bottles of Riesling (any white wine will do but Riesling tends to be lower in calories)
1 cup of Triple Sec
½ cup of lemon juice
1 cup of 7UP
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients into a pitcher, and leave in refrigerator to chill until ready to be served.
No Cheese Cheesecake!
Everything you love about cheesecakes without the calories.
Oat Flour Crust
Filling Ingredients
2 3/4 cups of gluten-free oat flour
1/2-1 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons of coconut oil, melted
¼ cup crumbled pecans (or any other nut)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. With a food processor, chop the pecans until they are crumbles. Using a fork, mix all ingredients in a bowl until dense dough forms. Press the dough into the pie plate. Prick dough with fork several times. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
2 small lemons, juiced (use 1 for a less tangy taste)
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
14 oz. coconut cream
1/2 cup raw honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Place the gelatin and lemon juice in a small glass or heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl in a small yet deep saucepan with simmering water (over low heat). Stir until gelatin is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and set aside. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a food processor, and process until well-mixed. Process for about 60 seconds. While the machine is still running, mix the warm gelatin mixture in and process another 30 seconds (EDIT: make sure it is mixed in WELL or the cheesecake will not set evenly). Fill the pie crust with the filling! Place the cheesecake in the fridge.
Topping
Ingredients:
12-15 Strawberries
¾ cup blueberries
2 bananas
Instructions
Cut the strawberries into halves, set aside. Slice the bananas so they come out like little circles. Now it’s time to decorate! Take the cheesecake out of the fridge. Make sure the filling is set. It’s better to create the flag when it’s cold. Use the blueberries for the blue portion of the flag. Alternate rows of bananas and strawberries for the white and red stripes of the flag. Display your masterpiece for your guests!
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always a party pleaser and one of my favorites. For this healthier deviled egg recipe, you’ll be mixing in substitutions for the classic mayonnaise. The Mayo Clinic has reported on studies which have shown healthy individuals can eat up to seven eggs a week without increasing the likelihood of heart disease.
Ingredients:
6 large eggs, boiled, cooled, peeled and halved
4 Tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt
1 Teaspoon of mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1 Teaspoon of lemon juice
Paprika for garnish
Optional flavors: your favorite hot sauce, relish, garlic powder, chives, etc.
Instructions
After you’ve prepped the eggs, gently scoop out the cooked yolks. Set the boiled egg whites aside on a platter.
With a potato masher or spoon, mash the yolks, yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice together. Add any optional flavors as well.
Spoon or pipe the mixture back in the crater of the egg whites.
Sprinkle paprika on top
The great thing about deviled eggs is you can make them about a day ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated until you can serve and eat.
All Natural Fruit and Yogurt Popsicles
All the deliciousness of your favorite popsicles made with all natural sweetness!
Ingredients
2 cups of strawberries
2 cups of blueberries
honey to taste
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
popsicle molds
popsicle sticks
Instructions
Using a blender or a food processer, puree the cups of strawberries. Depending upon how chunky you want your popsicles, you can blend the strawberries for about 5 seconds. Add honey for taste. Fill molds about 1/3 full, and put this in the freezer for one hour. When you take them out, add the popsicle sticks and freeze for another hour.
For the second layer, mix the yogurt with honey to your taste. For extra flavor, you can also some vanilla bean. Fill molds another 1/3 full, and freeze for 2 hours.
Finally, for the final layer, add puree blueberries with honey to taste and fill the rest of the popsicle molds. You may want to freeze your popsicles overnight. If not, freeze for another hour or so, and they will be ready to eat! Enjoy…