4th of July Week! My favorite summer holiday! I love celebrating the 4th for so many different reasons.
First, and foremost, because I love my country, no matter how I feel about politics, the economy, the oil spill, the war in Afghanistan…I am still thankful everyday to wake up an American. Where I can practice my faith in freedom, homeschool my children without persecution and have my voice heard in the election of my government leaders. I am so grateful for our forefathers who this holiday honors, for believing in the rights of a republic to govern itself. If you have never read “Rise to Rebellion” or “Glorious Cause” by Jeff Shaara I highly suggest them. They opened my eyes to the true sacrifice the colonists made fighting for the freedom of our country.
Second, I love the 4th because I love a party! It’s such a great holiday for family to come visit…and we are having a houseful visiting over the next two weeks..yeah! The fireflies are in full force, the flowers are in full bloom, and the heat is at perfect Popsicle melting temperatures. Fireworks are available..a little secret I still love writing my name in the air with a sparkler, anyone else ever do that?…and our neighbors have their annual Friday after the 4th firework show. And I mean “SHOW” people, you’ve never seen a neighborhood firework display like this…it’s just hard to even explain.
Third, and certainly not least, I love the 4th because I get to break out some great patriotic recipes. When else can you create a whole menu dedicated to the colors red, white and blue, and it not be a little weird. I always love to have one dessert that shouts 4th of July. And this one did not disappoint. I was so excited when I came across this fun and very easy recipe. It just seemed perfect for a summer day…no baking! And it has Americana written all over it with the blueberry and raspberry combination. The lime glaze gives it a little zing and even better it has only 4 grams of fat per slice! I made this for my sweet mother in laws birthday so I could share it with you today, but I can’t wait to make it again on Sunday!
Layered Lime Glazed and Berry Cake-adapted from Woman’s Day
Serves 10
Ingredients:
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix .59
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream .50
1/2 cup milk .05
1 store-bought 8-in. angel food cake 3.29
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp raspberry preserves .50
1 cup fresh raspberries 1.25
1 cup fresh blueberries 1.25
1 cup confectioners’ sugar PI
1 Tbsp lime juice + additional juice/water to thin to right consistency .05
Garnish: Extra raspberries and blueberries
Preparation:
In a medium bowl, whisk pudding mix, sour cream and milk 2 minutes until blended and thickened.
Invert cake onto serving plate; cut horizontally into 3 equal layers. Spread bottom layer with 1/4 cup raspberry preserves; top with half the raspberries.
Spread 3/4 cup pudding on top. Place second cake layer over pudding; spread with remaining preserves, raspberries and 1/2 cup pudding. Top with remaining cake layer.
Stir confectioners’ sugar and lime juice in a small bowl until blended and smooth. Spoon on top of cake, letting some drip down sides. Garnish with additional raspberries. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice with a large serrated knife.
Total: $7.48/.74 a serving
I would love to hear some of your favorite 4th of July recipes. Do you have a traditional dish you like to make every year or a new one you are going to try? Let me know if you try this one, I'd love to know what you think! Happy 4th of July!
Enjoy!
