I hope that everyone had a happy and festive Fourth of July! The Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday because of the fun traditions my family has. Red, White, & BOOM! is the large firework display in downtown Columbus on July 3rd. My family has a favorite viewing spot where we watch the fireworks with family friends each year. This year, everyone was looking forward to the finale which was a tribute to the Columbus Bicentennial. After a 25 minute display, the finale filled the sky and many fireworks were let off in one huge blast. One of the most important parts of the night is the escape route for after the show. Luckily, my dad is an expert at navigating the traffic, and this year we beat the mass exodus and made it home in 18 minutes - practically unheard of since there are over half a million people that travel downtown to watch the fireworks!
On the morning of the fourth, all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents get together to watch the Upper Arlington parade. Both of my parents grew up in UA and have been attending the parade since they were children. Our favorite part of the parade is the giant golden bear float and the OSU alumnae band. This year, the temperature reached 100 degrees, and everyone tried their best to stay in the shade! Before the parade, we get together for brunch, and I brought these adorable berry cutie pies!
Berry cutie pies are easy to make, and all of my family loved them! The colors of the fresh berries are perfect for Fourth of July. The crust is a traditional butter recipe, and it is easy to make. The berry filing is made by tossing fresh berries in a mixture of corn starch, sugar, and cinnamon. I found this recipe in my Cutie Pie recipe book which is full of bite-sized delicious desserts!
In addition to the fireworks downtown, we go to the Hilliard fireworks on the night of the fourth. My family always enjoys getting together with neighborhood friends to watch the local fireworks. I have to say, the finale is always breathtaking! Before the fireworks, we went to our friend Kelley's house to sample a festive Fourth of July cake that she made. Not only was it beautiful, but it was also moist and extremely delicious! The only ingredients required are 3 box cake mixes, food coloring, diet sprite, egg whites, and 4 tubs of whipped vanilla frosting. The cake takes time to bake because it is 9 individual layers, but the end result is worth the time in the kitchen. The recipe, which has become viral on Pinterest, can be found on this blog. Thanks for sharing Kelley!
Berry Cutie Pies
printable recipe
BUTTER CRUST:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. sugar
1 cup cold butter
3/4 cup ice water
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Combine flour, salt, and sugar.
Cut in butter to dry ingredients using two knives, forks, a pastry blender, or food processor.
Stir in water until dough forms.
Roll out dough onto floured surface 1/8" thick.
Cut into 3" circles. Place each circle in greased mini muffin tin.
BERRY FILLING:
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
1 cup strawberries
1 cup blackberries
4 tbsp. corn starch
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Mix together all of the berries (cut strawberries into smaller pieces)
Combine corn starch, sugar, and cinnamon.
Add berries to dry ingredients and coat completely.
Spoon the berry filling into unbaked crust.
CRUMB TOPPING:
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter (melted)
Combine flour, brown sugar, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Melt butter and stir into dry ingredients.
Mix in oats.
Sprinkle on top of pies.
Bake pies for 20 to 25 minutes.
Yields 36 cutie pies.
Recipe from Cutie Pies
Enjoy!
