Hurray for the Red White and Blue

Three big patriotic holidays are right around the corner. Yes, three. I bet you forget to count Flag Day on June 14th. That's okay, I think I am one of the few people that remembers to put out the American Flag on that day because my Dad always did.

The whole meal doesn't need to be red, white and blue, though you could if you wanted. But a few festive foods here and there can help decorate your Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day tables:

Natural Colors:

100% Fruit Rocket Pops

Strawberries or cherries, bananas and blueberries either fresh or canned can be used in a variety of ways. Such as my 100% Fruit Rocket Pops, just pureed the strawberries and blueberries separately in the blender, mashed an over ripe banana and then layered them in my Tovolo Rocket Pop Molds for a healthy treat. Ok, when you mash blueberries they do turn purplish, but it is as close as I could get without food coloring.

You can frost a cake with white icing then decorate it with a blueberry rectangle and strawberry slices or cherry halves stripes (leaving a gap of white icing). Or make a simple strawberry and blueberry shortcake with angel food cake, whipped cream and fresh fruit.

And just for fun, I tossed some strawberries and blueberries in my basic muffin mix for a patriotic breakfast. Well, it is the thought that counts. When they baked the blueberries became a pit purple and the strawberries were more of a dark pink.

You can use red and blue skinned potatoes in your favorite potato salad recipe, leaving the skin on of course.

Tortilla chips made from blue corn can be served with any sour cream dip and some salsa. Or if you can get your hands on some blue and/or red corn you can make some corn salsa.

And if you want to make naturally blue food coloring you can try this method using red cabbage and baking soda. Note that this will only make a pale blue color and may have a slight taste from the baking soda.

Artificial dyes:

Use red and blue colored gelatin along with the white layer to make ribbon finger jewels.

Add some blue food coloring to any sour cream based dip, such as this blue cheese dip and serve with red peppers and cauliflower.

If you have any other ideas either post them below or e-mail me at [email protected].

And finally, if you are hosting or attending a potluck this picnic season here are some ideas to help make it successful and stress free for everyone.

Until next time, happy eating.

~Audrey