Simple and Delicious 4th of July dessert

For the Fourth of July, it is usual to have at least one dessert that has a red, white and blue patriotic look. Berries are perfect for accomplishing the red and blue and this recipe uses blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Here is a recipe for a mixed-berry shortcake with an alcoholic kick if you prefer. It is quite possibly the perfect 4th of July dessert.

Shopping list:

• 3 quarts of berries to make 12 desserts (raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries)
• 1 store bought angel food cake or pound cake
• 1 pint of heavy whipping cream
• 1 quart orange juice
• 1 half pint of Grand Marnier

Have on hand at home:

• 4 teaspoons dried orange peel
• 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 12 clear plastic cups

Preparation time is less than half hour. Start by washing the fruit. Remove the hulls on the strawberries and cut them into quarters. Place them in a large bowl with the blueberries and raspberries. Reserve 12 pieces of each fruit on a separate plate. If there are going to be children or people who will want a non-alcoholic version, separate the fruit into two bowls. 

Bowl 1- Alcoholic

Sprinkle one tablespoon of sugar in each bowl, add two shots of Grand Marnier and 1/4 cup of orange juice and mix. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Bowl 2-Non-alcoholic

Pour a half cup of orange juice, one tablespoon sugar and two tsp. of dried orange peel onto the fruit and mix. This needs to sit for fifteen minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Chill a bowl and the beaters for the whipped cream. Add the pint of heavy cream and beat until it forms soft peaks. Add 2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar and 2 teaspoons of orange zest to the cream. You may also add a tsp. of Grand Marnier to the whipped creamed that will go on the adult desserts.

Slice the cake and place a piece in each of the clear plastic cups. Spoon a generous amount of the fruit and juice over the cake. Top with the whipped cream and 3 of the reserved berries. Serve and be prepared for the rave reviews that you will receive.

This may also be made in a glass bowl or dish with the cake being placed in the pan then topped by the fruit and whipped cream. You can place the reserved fruit on top and if you have red, white and blue jimmies this will add a great festive touch. You can then serve this in individual bowls.

What you have created is a lighter version of fruit shortcake.