by Eva Pronovost

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 06, 2008

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to announce the United States of America's sovereignty from Britain and its new status as an independent country. Independence Day is the most important secular holiday on the calendar, and nothing says 'I love my country!' louder than a tasty, patriotic dessert!

AMERICAN SHORTCAKE

Jefferson worked for days to say everything that was in our forefathers' hearts, but making a dessert to celebrate his achievement shouldn't take that long! Declare independence from the kitchen with an easy American shortcake: delicious, simple, and American in design. Guaranteed to WOW! guests.

1 box white cake mix
1 tsp lemon zest
1 box strawberry Jello
1 cup hot water
Fresh strawberries and blueberries
Cool Whip
Sparklers

Add lemon zest to cake mix and bake according to package directions in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Mix hot water and Jello, poke holes in cake and and pour Jello over it. Refrigerate. Before serving use Cool Whip and berries to make the American flag. Decorate with sparklers, and sing the 'Star Spangled Banner' before eating.

BANANA SPLIT

Both the Declaration of Independence and the Banana Split were invented in Pennsylvania, although some believe the Banana Split is from Ohio. Either way, there's no question that this dessert is 100% American!

1/2 scoop vanilla ice cream
1/2 scoop strawberry ice cream
1/2 scoop 'blue' flavor ice cream
1 peeled banana
Cool Whip
Sprinkles

Arrange scoops in a line down a plate. Cut banana lengthwise and set half on either side of scoops. Press down a little so it won't run away. Garnish with Cool Whip and sprinkles. Enjoy!

APPLE PIE

"Mom and apple pie" was the reason WWII soldiers gave when they were asked why they decided to go to war. If it's worth fighting for, then it's worthy to serve at a Fourth of July party. A store-bought bottom crust and a pecan top make this an easy treat.

Pre-made pie crust
4 (approx) apples - Granny Smith or other tart varieties work best
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup pecans
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Thinly slice apples. Lay in overlapping layers along bottom of pie crust. In a bowl, combine sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over apples. Fold edge of pie crust over apples to make a 2 inch 'lip' or 'rim'. Bake at 375F for 35-40 mins. Cool before serving.

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