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The Fourth Of July is the perfect time for families, friends, food, and fun. Many people choose to BBQ or picnic on this usually warm and festive day. As anyone who's ever participated in a potluck BBQ or picnic knows, one of the most popular items to bring is always a yummy dessert.

The best Fourth Of July desserts stay on the cool side, because of the warm summer air. They need to be able to stand up to the heat though, since they'll probably end up sitting outside on a table. They need to be both adult and kid friendly, as well as just plain good.

The easiest and always popular Fourth Of July dessert requires only three things; pudding, whipped topping, and assorted fruit. These three ingredients always result in a creamy fruit salad that gets gobbled up. There's also a slightly lighter version of this creamy salad for people watching their calories.

"Creamy Fruit Salad"

<>1 and 1/2 cups - vanilla pudding</>

<>1 cup - Whipped Topping (French vanilla flavored is best)
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3/4 cup - chopped apples

3/4 cup - chopped pears

1/2 cup - seedless, sliced red grapes

1/2 cup - seedless, sliced green grapes

1/2 cup - Pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup - chopped and sliced strawberries

Mix ingredients together in a large mixing/serving bowl, then let chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Any fruit can be used, just so long as they're fresh. Makes 6 cups, or about 12 servings of 1/2 cup each.

"Light Creamy Fruit Salad"

1 cup - unsweetened, apple sauce

1/3 cup - mashed banana

1 tsp - cinnamon

1 tsp - lemon juice

1/8 tsp - nutmeg

1/8 tsp - vanilla extract

1 cup - chopped pear

1 cup - fresh blueberries

2/3 cup - sliced strawberries

1/2 cup - chopped apple

1/2 cup - Pomegranate seeds

1 cup - light whipped topping

Pour apple sauce, banana, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg, and vanilla extract into a blender and mix until creamy and smooth. Toss the rest of the chopped fruit together in a large mixing/serving bowl and pour whipped topping over top.

Pour apple sauce mixture over whipped topping. Toss salad and dressings together. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Any fruit can be used, as long as they're fresh. Makes about 6 cups, or about 12 servings of 1/2 cup each.

Learn more about this author, Aysha Schurman.
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