I love the 4th of July. Maybe it’s because it’s in the middle of summer, or the fireworks, or just the fact that people get together and eat delicious food! Yes, it’s probably the latter 🙂
And speaking of delicious food, how yummy are parfaits? In the words of Donkey…
“Parfait… everybody loves parfait!!!”
I came across a delicious recipe-sounding recipe for blueberries and lemon cream on Eating Well, and decided it could be transformed into the perfect Red, White and Blue Dessert!
Patriotic Parfaits
It’s a simple ingredient list:
- 4 oz reduced fat cream cheese
- 3/4 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
- 1 lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- red and blueberries
I chose organic blueberries and strawberries, but raspberries would be great, too! Also, to make it an even more special dessert, I suggest cutting up chunks of angel food cake to layer into the parfait as well! Drool…
But just the basics make an incredible, light ‘n tasty dessert, too!
First, mash the cream cheese with a fork in a medium bowl.
Add in your yogurt and honey.
Grab a hand-mixer and beat on high until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
Zest your lemon and stir that in, too.
You can stick the cream into the fridge while you wash and slice your berries. If this treat is for later, cover the cream with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
Then, get to layering! There is no wrong way to do this. Berries and cream or cream then berries. Like I said, some angel food cake pieces layered in would be delicious, too! Garnish with a strawberry. Or be SUPER fancy and stick a sparkler in there, too!
Ta-daaaaaaaaaaaaaa
These are a fantastic option for a light dessert that screams I’m proud to be an American!
Although you can use any berries, I highly recommend buying organic for this treat. Since the berries are the star of the show, the organic berries shine with a much more sweet flavor (plus no pesticides- YAY!)
*I only made 2 parfaits to try out the recipe, but had over half the cream left. I’d imagine you could make 4 parfaits out of the total cream made, but of course, feel free to double or triple the recipe if you have more friends than I do 😉
What are you looking forward to eating most during this holiday weekend?
(Or just this weekend, for all my non-American friends out there!)
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says
How pretty! Perfect for the fourth. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Jen says
Yum, yum! I love berries with a hint of lemon or orange flavor. I’m book-marking this recipe. It looks beautiful, too!
Have a happy 4th!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I’m looking forward to eating the guacamole that I’m making for a BBQ on Monday. I just love it so much. Other than that, I’m looking forward to a grilled hot dog. They are just so good!
Suzanne says
Those parfaits look delicious! I eat something similar most mornings for breakfast these days – well at least first breakfast (I eat like a hobbit these days until dinner when I don’t want to eat anything).
As far as what I’m looking forward to eating this weekend, it’s more about what I will be missing this year (but not really caring because I get something way better in a couple months). I will be missing hot dogs and beer. MMMM!!!! Beer!!!!
Have a great weekend 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Looks delicious!
I can’t wait to eat sushi tonight and then Beer tasting and pizza party tomorrow at my parent’s house – can’t wait!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
These parfaits are so pretty! Almost too pretty to eat. 🙂 I am looking forward to some corn on the cob. I love July 4th weekend! Hope you have a great one!
Allison @ PickyEatingRD says
I am alll about the berries right now. They are sooo good this season! I am most looking forward to the bbq. E and I don’t have a grill at our new place yet so I am cravingggg it! Have a great weekend!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Holy moly! I love fruit and yogurt parfaits. But that lemon cream sounds so so good! I have to try this out. Thanks for sharing! Happy 4th 🙂
Maria says
The 4th is one of my favorite times of year, too! I love celebrating summer and it makes me nostalgic for all the endless, fun summers spent as a child.
Love the dessert! Nows a good time to splurge on organic berries – they are in season 🙂
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
HAHA. brittany, when I saw this post in my Google Reader, I saw the picture of a parfait plus Donkey… and knew you were gonna quote that part.
is it terrible that every single time I see, make, or think of a parfait, I think of that quote? and then I think about onions. because that’s the second part of the quote.
either I’m PIXAR obsessed or I’ve got issues.
thehealthyapron says
Spending times with friends and family! I LOVE the 4th! PLus the weather is supposed to be gorgeous! these parfaits look AWESEOM! Love it!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, and Beers says
They’re so cute! Donkey’s right, every one loves parfaits – especially pretty ones.
Lauren says
Love that Donkey quote! Everyone *does* love parfaits. Especially when they’re holiday themed 🙂 I love the 4th of July BBQ and all the fruit and salads that come with it!
Brooke @ Veggie Table says
Love the patriotic parfaits! Have a great 4th of July weekend!!
Kate @ NaturaStride says
Looks so good!! I love parfaits! 🙂
I am so looking forward to having my friend Kristi’s apple pie this weekend. She makes it straight up with sugar and butter and it tastes oh, so good to me. She makes it on special occasions and is bringing it to my BBQ – cant wait!
I’m also making some kick butt pulled chicken tacos with LOTS of guac – which is another fave! Happy 4th 🙂
Katie H says
Ohh that looks so delicious and refreshing! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I’m looking forward to steaks from the grill- usually 4th of July means hot dogs but the only hot dogs I like are Nathan’s and those are off limits for now.
Roz says
Looks lovely Brittany. Have a great long weekend.
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I love using strawberries and blueberries to make 4th of July goodies! The parfaits look great!
Oddly, I’m not even thinking of the food for this weekend. Amazing, since the prep and eating of yummy meals occupies a lot of my time and thought. I’m just looking forward to the time with family that’s coming up!!
Happy holiday, Brittany!!
Corey says
So beautiful and simple yet delicious and special-feeling!! Love this dessert idea. Your pictures are always so lovely to look at. Hope you have a great holiday weekend, Brittany!
Emily@RunningPerspective says
those are so so cute! love themmm!!
Tina says
I think I love the berry combo that is so prevalent the most for the 4th. Yum yum yum.
Hope you have a great weekend!
blackhuff says
I agree. So delicious and so healthy too
Enjoy your 4th of July holiday day.
Sam says
Yum, looks like a great light recipe! Parfaits truly are awesome, And I love the idea of angel food cake in there. That would be SO good!