The fourth of July is so much more than cookouts, get-togethers, fireworks and food. This patriotic holiday is a great display of our celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

So what better way to celebrate than with red, white, and blue sweets and treats?

Take a look at these recipes of yummy patriotic items to share at your July 4^th events!

Heart Healthy – Patriotic Parfait

Ingredients:

• Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
• Fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Fresh blueberries

1. Wash strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
2. In individual snack size bowls, scoop ½ cup of Greek yogurt per bowl.
3. Slice strawberries into bite sized pieces.
4. Place strawberries slices or raspberries and blueberries over the yogurt.
5. Let chill and serve.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size    Approx. 5 oz.
Calories           125
Sodium            90 mg
Sugars             19 g

*Fruit nutrition facts vary.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be high or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Semi-healthy – Banana Sparklers

 Ingredients:

• 4-6 large bananas
• Nutella spread
• Red, white & blue sprinkles
• Wooden skewers

1. Cut the bananas into halves.
2. Insert one rod into each of the snack sized banana cuts.
3. Heat 1 cup of Nutella in a microwave safe bowl until melted.
4. Dip each banana cut into the Nutella, spread until the banana is covered.
5. Shake sprinkles over Nutella-covered banana cuts.
6. Place on serving dish and let chill.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size    1 Sparkler
Calories           150 calories*
Sugars             20g*

*Approximate nutrition facts based on fruit and Nutella dipping.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be high or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Soul Healthy – Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 red velvet cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
• ½ tsp. cornstarch

1. Preheat over to 375°F
2. Combine cake mix, eggs, butter and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl; stir until blended.
3. Blend sugar and cornstarch in small mixing bowl.
4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll dough balls in sugar mixture.
5. Place 2-inches apart on cookie sheets.
6. Bake 8-10 minutes or until firm.

Let cookies cool then place on a serving dish with a side of blueberries.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size     1 cookie
Calories           71
Total Fat         2 g
Sodium            13 mg
Sugars             2 g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be high or lower depending on your calorie needs.