Martha Stewart Insists on Using This Fruit for Every 4th of July Dessert

Everyone knows and loves Martha Stewart’s recipes — and when it comes to Independence Day, she has plenty of ideas on how to celebrate. From drinks to decorations to desserts, Stewart has it all. And for her fourth of July desserts, she insists on using this one fruit to make a number of dishes. Here’s what the cooking goddess recommends.

Martha Stewart has a number of ideas on how to celebrate Independence Day

There are infinite ways to celebrate Independence Day, and fans can certainly take a few ideas from Martha Stewart’s recipes and decor. As far as decor is concerned, Stewart has ideas on her website on how to make red, white, and blue paper rocket confetti poppers, how to display the American flag around your home, and how to create a patriotic flower display.

For those throwing Independence Day parties, Stewart has a number of ideas on how to make a beautiful and festive tablescape. The decor guru recommends French cotton toweling that comes by the yard for a perfect table runner and napkins. Then, finger foods can be placed in food-safe pails for an inexpensive setting.

When it comes to each guest’s table setting, Stewart recommends adding bands to plain red, white, or blue napkins, and add miniature American flags to bundles of red flowers. Bouquets of red, white, and blue flowers can also make a tablescape pop.

Martha Stewart’s recipes for July 4th commonly use this fruit

As for Martha Stewart’s recipes to celebrate the holiday, she insists on using strawberries for her fourth of July desserts. “These sweet summer treats, all featuring fresh, juicy strawberries, are perfect for an Independence Day dessert buffet or potluck, or any gathering with friends and family,” Stewart explains on her website.

Stewart has a strawberry-raspberry pie on the list, strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream, strawberry ice cream, strawberry cobbler, and, of course, strawberry shortcake. But it’s her 15-minute Filled Fourth of July Strawberries that are the perfect mini-dessert for an outdoor event.

The recipe calls for 6 ounces of cream cheese, 4 teaspoons of confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 12 strawberries, and 12 blueberries. Beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture has a fluffy texture. For the strawberries, cut the bottoms so they sit flat, and use a melon baller to core the middles. Pipe the cream cheese frosting into each strawberry and top with a blueberry for a red, white, and blue look.

She has a festive strawberry drink idea for the holiday

Aside from fourth of July desserts, Martha Stewart has a recipe for a festive strawberry mocktail. Her Strawberry-Tarragon Shrub features 1 pound of strawberries with the leafy tops removed, 1 3/4 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups white-wine vinegar, 3 tarragon sprigs, and cold seltzer.

First, the strawberries get cooked with sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a nonreactive saucepan for one hour. Then, add the vinegar to the mixture over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. Then, remove the mixture from the heat and add tarragon. The mixture should stand at room temperature uncovered for 24 hours. After 24 hours, take the tarragon out of the mix and strain. Refrigerate the liquids until cold.

When serving the drink, fill a glass with half ice, 3 tablespoons strawberry/tarragon mixture, and 6 ounces seltzer. Strawberries and tarragon can be added for garnish.

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