Happy Flag Day! Some of you may not realize that today is a holiday- June 14th commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. I grew up with two of the most patriotic grandparents a kid could have- my grandpa was a staff sergeant in the Army and my grandmother was a technical specialist in the Women’s Army Corps.

Ever since our family traveled to Julian -- a charming historic town near San Diego, California, known for its apple pie -- my kids have been excited to make a pie of our own. We even bought a pie crust cutter that cuts hearts into the top crust.

  Each 4th of July finds my family celebrating at a friend's home at a nearby lake.  This celebration gathers together many families and multiple generations from toddlers to grandparents, and even great-grandparents.  Swimming, boating, lawn games and just plain old good conversation fill the day.  And of course, there is great food!  Everyone brings something to grill and something to share.  The resulting smorgasbord is an outstanding display of homemade delights.  Baked beans, fresh salads, garden vegetables and tasty snacks cover a minimum of three large tables.  But, the dessert table is the crowning glory! 

“Wow,” was the first word out of my mouth after I had my first bite of a Star Spangled Shortcake. What an awesome treat! It’s the perfect combination of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. If you’ve never eaten shortcakes, you are really missing out.

Now that school is out for the summer, I’m already planning my entertaining. We have a deck on our roof, and the Taste of Minnesota food festival sets off fireworks four nights in a row. It’s pretty spectacular, and a great time for us to have friends over for dessert before the fireworks. The parties usually involve kids, so I like to make a dessert that is kid-friendly but also fabulous for adults. I choose Puff Pastry Stars with Custard Sauce, and I know it will be a hit. The flavors are simple and yet fantastic – creamy custard sauce with a hint of white chocolate, plus puff pastry cut-outs dusted with powdered sugar, and a sprinkling of berries. It’s easy to get everything ready in the morning or the day before, and just assemble before serving. The kids could even add their own berries and stars just for fun!