Happy July 4th, everyone!!  As a military wife, this day is especially close to my heart – I am so grateful for the freedoms we have because of our incredible and brave armed forces.  It is such a privilege to live in this beautiful country and have the ability to celebrate it.  This holiday also holds so many cherished memories of sitting on picnic blankets surrounded by loved ones, watching fireworks pop across the night sky.  However, let’s be honest – these memories can be tainted so often with the brutal heat of summer!  For me, a cold snack always does the trick.  Here is a simple, nutritious recipe to carry on some red, white, and blue pride throughout the month. These patriotic fruit skewers are perfect for keeping in the fridge at home or at work for a refreshing treat, or enjoying outside with friends or family!

Red, White, and Blue Fruit Skewers

• 6 bamboo skewers
• 1/2 pound strawberries
• 1 1/2 bananas
• 3/4 tbsp lemon or orange juice
• 1/4 cup water

1.) Place the strawberries and blueberries into a strainer and rinse under water for 30 seconds.  Chop off and throw away strawberry stems and ends.  Cut strawberries into halves and put aside.

2.) Peel and slice bananas.

3.) Mix lemon or orange juice with water and put bananas in mixture, coating each side.  Doing this will prevent your bananas from browning!

4.) Place about six blueberries on the skewer.  Follow this with two bananas and one strawberry until the skewer is relatively covered.

5.) Place skewers in the fridge in a Tupperware or freezer bag.  Enjoy!

P.S. If you’re a coconut fan, coat some of your fruit pieces in shredded coconut for extra tastiness!  I am definitely a chocolate gal, so a drizzle of melted dark chocolate makes these skewers even more enjoyable to eat!