I was really excited when, a few weeks ago, I realized that Fourth of July would fall on a Monday.  It is one of my favorite holidays (probably because it is summer and the nice weather means we get to hang out in the sunshine, BBQ, all my favorite things).  After John and I visited DC a few weeks ago, I was reminded how unique our country is, and how lucky we are to live where we do.

Once I was posed the question would you rather be lucky or smart?  It seemed like a silly choice.  But, if you think about it, we were lucky to be born here.  If a woman like me was born in Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t be able to drive a car; I wouldn’t even be able to leave my house without a male guardian.  Regardless of how smart I was, I would still be a woman.

Recently, I started working with a group of international colleagues.  The other day we were all out at a business event and I got asked the question, “what are you?”  I answered it the way most Americans do…Italian, German, etc.  And the man turned to me and said, oh so your dad is from Italy?  I was like no, not even HIS parents were from Italy!  He says, matter of factly, “Well, so you are American”.  Why, when we are young, are we taught to identify with our heritages? I love that we are a melting pot, but he is right.  Really, I am American.  And I’m pretty proud of that.  I hope you other Americans are too, especially today!  And now to celebrate our independence…a sweet treat to cool us off this hot summer day!
Patriot's Berry Chocolate Chip Pie
Serves:  12 (12 slices)
1 batch of Chocolate Chip Cookie dough
2-3 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Make the cookie dough (or use premade refrigerated cookie dough).  Split it into two equal pieces and spread out into two 9-inch pie pans.  Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.  Let cool completely.  Meanwhile, let vanilla ice cream soften slightly (5 minutes).  Spread over the chocolate chip cookie pies.  Arrange berries over the top.  Freeze until ready to serve, or serve immediately.  If frozen, let sit at room temperature about 5 minutes before serving.

Happy Fourth of July!  Enjoy your weekend, and I hope you enjoy it with lots of sassy sweets!

Until the next time my oven is on...