4th of July Desserts: Red, White and Blue Treats for Independence Day

This dessert is colorful and kids love it! It's a festive addition to your Fourth of July party menu.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE DESSERT

1 package red-colored gelatin (strawberry, cherry, etc.)
1 package blueberry or berry blue gelatin
Water and/or ice cubes
12 oz. container non-dairy whipped topping

Make a package of red-colored gelatin (cherry, strawberry, etc. flavors). Follow package directions, using only HALF of amount of water called for. Pour into a cake pan, a cookie sheet or any other container with a flat bottom that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

Make a package of blueberry gelatin, again using only HALF of amount of water called for. Pour the mixture into a flat-bottomed container.

Place both containers in the refrigerator until firm. Allow several hours for chilling or make gelatin the evening before.

Cut gelatin into small squares and place a layer of red gelatin squares, then blue gelatin squares and finally non-dairy whipped topping into clear water goblets or ice cream sundae dishes. Repeat layers until goblet or dish is full.

Another option is to use cubed angel food or pound cake. Place a layer of red gelatin into the bowl or dish followed by layer of cubed cake, and then a layer of berry blue gelatin. Repeat these three layers, then top with non-dairy whipped topping.

Use sugar-free gelatin and this dessert becomes a low-fat, low calorie alternative to traditional desserts.

Here's another "can't miss " Fourth of July treat:

Simply substitute the chocolate chips in your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for red, white and blue M & Ms.

My favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies is my grandma's recipe:

CLARA'S PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

½ C shortening (margarine or butter)
½ C peanut butter
½ white sugar
½ c brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1½ C flour
½ t baking power
¼ t soda
¼ t salt
½ C milk
1 C chocolate chips (or substitute 1 C M & M candies)

Mix together shortening (softened) and peanut butter. Add the white and brown sugar. Add egg to the mixture. Sift together dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients alternately to mixture with ½ C milk and 1 C chocolate chips or M & Ms. Drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet and bake in a 375 degree oven for approximately 11 minutes.

These are very moist! You will end up with about 2½ dozen cookies so you may want to double it for a larger batch.

Serve these cookies while you are waiting for the fireworks to begin.