Sweet Taste of independence

Food is the most essential part of absolutely any party but when it comes to the Fourth of July, there are only three colors that your guests want to see on their plates: red, white and blue. (Mimosas are excluded from this rule.) Of course you can throw a regular barbecue with burgers and hot dogs and call it a day yet if you really want to win this holiday once and for all, you need to bring out the big desserts.

Rice Krispie Stars

Ingredients:

• 7 tbsp. butter
• 6 cups mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
• Pinch of vanilla
• Food coloring

Instructions:

• Melt butter and marshmallows on low heat, add a few drops of red and/or blue food coloring.
• Remove the pot from the heat and add cereal.
• Mix evenly.
• Coat your hands with a bit of butter and either spread on a buttered baking tray and use a cookie cutter to get stars or form them with your hands.

Optional:

Leave the stars colorless, coat with melted white chocolate and add colored sprinkles. You can get creative here too and try to paint a flag with the sprinkles.

Jello Trifle

This majestic Jello Trifle can be prepared in individual sizes, or a trifle bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet blue gelatin
• 1 packet red gelatin
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sour cream
• 5 tbsp. sugar

Instructions:

• Prepare the blue gelatin according to its packaging and add blueberries.
• Pour into bowl while still hot.
• Let it sit and cool down before adding the next layer.
• Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup of water in a small pot, let sit for one minute.
• Add cream and sugar.
• Put it on low heat and stir frequently until the gelatin is dissolved.
• Add sour cream.
• Pour over blue layer and let sit until cooled completely.
• Prepare red gelatin according to its packaging and add raspberries.
• Pour into bowl while still hot.

Optional:
Garnish with whipped cream and more berries.

Fruit Pizza Brownie

This heavenly combination of gooey brownie, fresh cream cheese and fruit is everything you need on a summer afternoon. Again, you can get creative with your choice of fruit and adjust it to your personal preferences.

Ingredients:

Base:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Optional:

1/3 cup of chopped nuts, e.g. walnuts

Topping:

• 2 cups whipped cream
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1.5 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. lemon zest
• Berries or fruit of your choice

Instructions:

• Melt the butter and let cool while you mix the dry ingredients with the eggs.
• Add butter, mix thoroughly.
• Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
• Let the brownies cool off for at least 2 hours.
• Whip the heavy cream and cream cheese separately, then fold together.
• Add sugar, vanilla and lemon zest.
• Garnish with fruit and some mint leaves.