White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe

Marshmallow Lollipops and Frozen Fruit Pops for the Fourth of July

From a very young age, I recognized that the Fourth of July was great.  I was one of the last privileged young girls to be a part of the Riverettes, the River Edge baton performers in the annual Fourth of July parade.  I wore costumes covered in red, white and blue sequins, canvas Keds, and scrunchies so big that they weighed down my side ponytail.  My sub-par baton twirling skills were displayed for the whole neighborhood to marvel at and, in my six-year-old mind, I was the coolest girl in town.  Home videos have since proven that I was not that cool or talented.

After the Riverettes ended, I continued to participate in the parade for various organizations.  I walked with my REGAL softball team, then with my Girl Scout Troop a few years later.  You couldn’t keep me out of the limelight!  But looking back on my excessive community involvement, I realized that my participation was out of my genuine appreciation for the community.  Somehow, the meaning of Fourth of July is understood by everyone, even the young ones who seemingly get too caught up in the excitement.

Today, that pride is still there, minus the costume.  I still get that excited feeling for the Fourth festivities.  Don’t you?  Every year, you can rely on the holiday to be about celebrating all things American while enjoying the beautiful weather (knock on wood) and the company of those who mean the most.  The entire day is casual and laid back, from the jean shorts and Old Navy flag t-shirts to the cheeseburgers on the grill.  As an adult, I can appreciate this relaxing day more than when I was a carefree kid, especially the part about cooking easy, simple food.

That’s why this week I have three yummy, stress-free desserts that are fun and festive.  Yes, THREE desserts because they are each so simple that you will have plenty of time on your hands for the preparation of both.  The first is a marshmallow lollipop dipped in chocolate and garnished with your favorite toppings.  I chose to make some of the lollipops with white chocolate and blue and red sprinkles, and others with milk chocolate and graham cracker crumbs.  The last one is like a deconstructed s’more, an American staple, in a more manageable form.  Second, I made frozen fruit pops in Raspberry Cheesecake and Blueberry Coconut flavors, to keep with the red, white and blue theme.  They are a refreshing treat to help you beat the heat!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake - Lake Recipes

In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate. Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining cheesecake batter into pan, and again spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over the top. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.

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