Patriotic treats for a star-spangled Fourth

Try your hand at these quick and easy recipes that are light, refreshing and – not to mention – patriotic! They make for a great summer activity with the kids ahead of your Fourth of July celebration. Of course, leave out the vodka for a kid-friendly version of the watermelon lemonade, and don’t forget to pick out some festive umbrellas and straws for garnish! 

4th of July Apple & Berry Light Cream Cheese Tarts

Courtesy of ENVY^TM Apples and Lorin Michel Peters

Apple and Berry Light Cream Cheese Tarts

Ingredients:

12 frozen mini tart shells approximately 2 inches in diameter, baked to package directions

3 apples, cut into 12 large slices around the core

1 package light cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup milk

For the raspberries:

1 cup raspberries

2 tablespoons sugar

For the blueberries:

1 cup halved blueberries

2 tablespoons sugar

Equipment needed:

Disposable piping bag

Small star cookie cutter

Directions:

Stir together the raspberries and sugar in one bowl and stir together blueberries and sugar in another. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk. Spoon into a piping bag and cut off a small part of the tip.

Once tarts are baked and cooled, fill halfway with cream cheese mixture.

Punch apple slices with the small star cookie cutter.

Top half of the tart with a raspberry, and the other half with blueberries. Top with an apple star and serve.

Makes 12 tarts

Spiked Watermelon Lemonade

Courtesy of A Table At Robert Ridge [atableatrobertridge.blogspot.com]

Spiked Watermelon Lemonade

Ingredients:

4 cups chilled watermelon, cut into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes, divided

3 cups prepared lemonade, chilled

2 ounces vodka

Mint leaves and patriotic straws or umbrellas for garnish

Directions:

Place 2 cups of the watermelon cubes on a wax paper lined tray and freeze for 1 hour. These will be your ice cubes.

Throw the other 2 cups of watermelon in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

Combine the watermelon puree with the lemonade and vodka.

Put the watermelon ice cubes equally into two tall glasses and pour the drink over.

Top with umbrellas/straws and mint leaves.

Makes two drinks