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Make this Independence Day sparkle with simple, easy-to-make fruit skewers.

Make this Independence Day sparkle with simple, easy-to-make fruit skewers.

Summer is officially here and it is time to enjoy some of the fruits that we associate with summer.

One of my favorite summer fruits is watermelon. And today’s recipe is a simple, healthy and fun summertime treat that uses watermelon and fresh blueberries. It is Fruit Sparklers from tastesbetterfromscratch.com.

It is a recipe that can be made and served for the 4th of July at a cookout as it has a patriotic theme.

This recipe is one that the kids can have fun preparing. They will need a little supervision since the watermelon and blueberries need to be added to bamboo skewers. These Fruit Sparklers are called this as they resemble the sparkler fireworks, but are a safer option for the younger children who may attend a Fourth of July or any cookout celebration this summer.

To prepare these Fruit Sparklers, you will need a seedless watermelon, blueberries, bamboo skewers, and a small star-shaped cookie cutter. The adult will need to slice the watermelon into 1-inch slices. There is no need to remove the outer green part. Then let the children cut stars out of the red fleshy part of the watermelon.

You should also rinse and pat dry 16 ounces of blueberries.

To assemble the Fruit Sparklers, thread 7-10 blueberries into the center of each bamboo skewer, leaving enough space at the other end to place the watermelon star on top. Place the “sparklers” on a tray, cover, and refrigerate until ready to eat.

That’s it: A simple, fun and healthy snack or dessert for any Fourth of July celebration. Happy Independence Day.

Cherie Mingus is a retired teacher who taught family and consumer sciences at Central Hardin High School. She can be reached at cheriemingus@gmail.com.

Cherie Mingus is a retired teacher who taught family and consumer sciences at Central Hardin High School. She can be reached at cheriemingus@gmail.com.

Cut watermelon vertically into 1-inch-thick slices.

Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes from the flesh of each watermelon round.

Thread seven to 10 blueberries into the center of each bamboo skewer, leaving enough space at the end for someone to be able to comfortably hold it and a space at the top for the watermelon star.

Place the watermelon star on top and set the fruit sparklers on a serving tray.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

SOURCE: Tastes Better From Scratch

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