Flag Day, nestled between Memorial Day and Independence Day, is a time-honored tradition observed across the United States. This annual celebration, held on June 14th, marks the adoption of the American flag in 1777, almost a year after the nation declared its independence from Great Britain. Over its rich history, the American flag has undergone 27 iterations, evolving to its current form of 50 stars representing the 50 states and 13 stripes symbolizing the original colonies.

This Flag Day, why not add a touch of patriotic flair to your celebrations with a themed culinary creation? Whether you opt for a replica of the flag or simply embrace the red, white, and blue color scheme, these festive recipes are sure to impress.

1. Star-Spangled Cookie Cake

A cookie cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and this patriotic version is no exception. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Use store-bought or homemade dough, add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or candies, and bake it in any shape you desire. Once cooled, frost the cake with a generous layer of buttercream and decorate with fresh blueberries and sliced strawberries arranged to resemble the American flag. For an extra touch of elegance, consider using a piping bag for the frosting and arranging the fruit in a visually appealing pattern.

Flag Day has been celebrated in the U.S. for more than 100 years. (Reuters)

2. Layered Delight: A Patriotic Trifle

This trifle is a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for any Flag Day gathering. Layer cubes of pound cake (homemade or store-bought) with whipped cream, blueberries, and sliced strawberries in a trifle dish. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, and dust with powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Always wash fruits like strawberries and blueberries before using them in your desserts. (iStock)

3. Refreshing and Festive: A Red, White, and Blue Charcuterie Board

For a lighter and refreshing option, create a Charcuterie board featuring a vibrant array of red, white, and blue fruits and snacks. Arrange items like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, red grapes, red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes on a platter or cutting board. Add crackers, peanuts, ranch dressing, and fruit dip for dipping and extra flavor. Get creative with the arrangement to evoke the spirit of Flag Day.

(Blueberries offer a naturally vibrant blue hue perfect for Flag Day treats.)