♥ Yum! ♥ 4th Of July Berry Treats...

This week in honor of 4th of July, I will be featuring some festive ideas for you!  Today's festive treats are a yummy addition to your 4th of July Celebration!

Frozen Berries with Hot White Chocolate Sauce...

(Image: Disney Family.com)

1 1/4 cups mixed berries

2 oz white chocolate, chopped into small pieces

1/4 cup heavy cream

To freeze the berries, line a rimmed baking sheet with baking parchment or waxed paper and arrange the berries in a single layer. When they are frozen, transfer to small freezer bags. They will last for 1 month and are also good in smoothies. Take the berries out of the freezer and divide between two bowls. Allow them to defrost slightly at room temperature, for about 10 minutes. Put the chocolate and cream in a microwaveable bowl and cook for 10 seconds, stir, and repeat heating and stirring until chocolate has just melted (it will take 4 to 5 blasts) and you have a smooth sauce. Alternatively put the cream and chocolate in a small heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir continuously until the chocolate has just melted.

Pour the hot sauce immediately over the berries and serve at once.

Red, White & Blueberries with Shortbread Stars...

(Image: Disney Family.com)

Fruit Mixture:

2 cups fresh blueberries

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Shortbread Stars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioner's sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour
Toss together fruit, sugar and vanilla and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Combine butter and confectioner's sugar and stir well. Add flour, a cup at a time, and mix into a soft dough. Roll dough on a surface sprinkled with powdered sugar to a 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with a 4-inch star-shaped cookie cutter. Transfer to ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until bottoms are golden and tops are set, but not browned. Spoon fruit mixture into bowls and serve over ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream and a Shortbread Star.

Blueberry-Lime Cheesecakes...

(Image: Disney Family.com)

3 oz graham crackers, or 1 cup unpacked crumbs

3 tbsp butter, melted

1/4 cup cream cheese, at room temperature

1/4 cup thick (Greek style) plain yogurt

Grated zest and juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 cup heavy cream

For serving:

1/2 to 1 cup blueberries

Powdered sugar

Put the Graham crackers in a heavy-duty plastic bag and crush to fine crumbs with a rolling pin. Stir the crumbs into the melted butter. Divide among four 3 inch-diameter loose-bottomed tart molds. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom. Put the cream cheese in a bowl and beat to soften slightly. Add the yogurt, lime zest and juice, and sugar and beat to combine. Whip the cream in a separate bowl until it makes soft peaks, and then fold into the cream-cheese mixture. Spoon the filling into the molds over the crumb bases. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to set. Or freeze the cheesecakes when needed, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the side from each mold, and then use a metal spatula to carefully lift the cheesecake from the bottom of the mold and place on a plate. Top each cheesecake with blueberries and dust with sifted powdered sugar before serving.

These berry treats are sure to make your 4th of July Celebrations so sweet!

If you would like more berry treat inspirations, check out Disney Family .