Creating Unique Edible Bouquets for Patriotic Celebrations

Growing up, patriotism was displayed everywhere I looked and that still holds true today. With our strongest patriotic season upon us, we look for ways to celebrate Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. We put out our flags and plan cookouts and picnics. One of my favorite things to bring to any of these events is a flag cake. This year, to do something fresh and exciting, I've designed my own edible patriotic bouquet. This is a step-by-step instruction on making your own beautiful bouquet.

Step 1: The Base

Place florist foam (I usually use the dome shape) in a glass bowl. For this particular bouquet, cover the florist foam in a layer of SaranWrap. Secure the SaranWrap with tape on the bottom of the foam. Don't use a vase for this one because it needs more room to build and shape. Use a clear glass bowl. It can be plain, etched or cut with intricate patterns as long as it is clear glass.

Step 2: Adding the red

Skewer 7-8 of the brightest, shiniest red apples you can find. Use short, wooden skewers to secure the apples. Once the apples have been skewered, secure them in the florist foam. Use different heights to create a multi-layered look.

Step 3: Adding the blue

There are few naturally blue foods in the world so we stick with the one we are most familiar with - blueberries. Purchase the bluest blueberries you can find. Take 7-8 medium to long skewers and fill each skewer with the berries, leaving approximately one inch on the end to secure in the foam.

Step 4: Adding the white

Now, every bouquet should have something that's not healthy and no patriotic bouquet would be complete without stars. That's where the cookies come in. Using your favorite cookie recipe (Pillsbury ready-made cookie dough counts) cut out stars. Before baking, press wooden skewers (of alternating lengths) into each cookie. Bake according to instructions but line cookie sheet with wax paper to prevent burning the skewers. Allow cookies to cool completely then spread white frosting over each star. Using sandwich baggies and red and blue ribbon, cover each cookie with a baggie and tie with ribbon (alternate red and blue). You can tie bows or just curl the ribbon. You decide. Secure each cookie in the foam.

Step 5: Adding the flourish

Now we've added the red, white and blue to our bouquet so all that's left is adding the flourishes. This can be a lot of fun. Start with some basic greenery. Use mint or parsley leaves and stems to give it that "bouquet" feel. If you're feeling really imaginative, you can add red, white and blue M&M's to the bowl to hide the florist foam. You can do this anyway you'd like; use red on the bottom, white in the middle and blue on top or just mix them all together and pour them into the bowl.

Now you've got a beautiful, patriotic edible bouquet to show off to your friends. Use your imagination and change things up. Use strawberries on a skewer instead of apples or use all cookies with red, white and blue frosting. Make it your own and have fun with it!