It’s easy to see why the 4th of July is the most celebrated holiday of the summer. There is plenty of food and drinks, and best of all, fireworks! There are so many things to do, that you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a good time. One of the best things is that it is a long weekend, which gives you some time to get away and explore other places. You can book a small trip, catch a plane to see a friend or family in another city, go to the beach or just do a staycation (my husband’s favorite).
For me, it is both the beginning of summer and the end. I love the holiday, but I also know that now that the 4th is here, the summer flies by, and the next thing you know, you are celebrating Labor Day, wondering where the time went. And, as you get older, the time seems to speed by even faster and summer becomes just a memory that we hold close in the depths of winter.
If you enjoy staying at home and having a barbecue, there are so many menu possibilities. It is almost as much of a food holiday as Thanksgiving! What would the 4th of July be without hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, steak, potato salad, or corn on the cob? Add on some bruschetta, guacamole, tomato and mozzarella, chips, salsa, and a nice cold pasta salad, and you have a perfect holiday.
Maybe your town has a parade you can watch. It is always fun to go and share the celebration with your neighbors. Floats, music, dancing, and candy make a parade festive and fun.
More than anything, fireworks make this holiday so memorable. Independence Day is not complete without red, white and blue explosions in the sky. Fireworks were first set off in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4th, 1777. Since then this tradition has become a staple in our country and the day is not complete without the sounds and sights of the beautiful explosions. If you do not get a chance to go see them in person, you can always watch them on TV.
If you are planning to host family and friends, this dessert is the perfect end to any wonderful celebration. It is so simple to prepare, yet it is packed with scrumptious fruit, making a beautiful addition to any meal. The Mascarpone cheese is mixed with sweet, fresh blackberries and sugar, giving this treat delicious flavor. It is housed in a delicate pie crust that is baked to a deep golden brown and is the perfect base for the delicate berries. This is a delightful dessert to bring to any 4th of July celebration.
This recipe is courtesy of Country Living and will serve a gathering of 10 to 12 people, ready to enjoy a lovely holiday meal.
Ingredients for Blackberry Tart:
2 refrigerated rolled pie crusts
3 (6-ounce) containers blackberries, divided
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, divided
3 tablespoons lime juice, divided, plus zest for garnish
1 lb. mascarpone, at room temperature
1 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Fit pie crusts in the bottom and up sides of an 8- by 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom; trim excess.
Place on a rimmed baking sheet and prick bottom with a fork. Line with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang; fill with dried beans.
Bake until beginning to brown around edges, 12 to 15 minutes.
Lift parchment to remove beans.
Bake until bottom is light golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes; cool.
Puree 1 container berries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon lime juice.
Strain through a fine mesh sieve; discard seeds.
Whisk together mascarpone and 1/2 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form.
Fold in blackberry puree.
Toss together mint, remaining 2 containers berries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 tablespoon lime juice in a bowl; let sit 5 minutes.
Spread mascarpone mixture in crust.
Top with berries and juices.
Sprinkle with lime zest and mint.
(oops, couldn’t find any mint, it was wonderful anyway)
Serve immediately.
It’s that simple!
Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!
