Hard to believe that it’s already Fourth of July weekend. The weather looks fantastic here in Dedham, so I hope that you have something fun planned outdoors. Maybe baseball, or a patriotic parade, fireworks display or even a trip to the beach (oh, I really can’t wait to get to the beach).

Whatever your plans, it’s always fun to celebrate with a little patriotic food. Maybe it’s traditional for a Fourth of July backyard barbecue or a picnic someplace? How about a stroll around Castle Island with the kids and dog or even closer, a walk around Millennium Park? I know that our weekend is going to be filled with lots of outdoor activity. Hopefully some barbecuing and even a 9th birthday celebration thrown in!

Whatever your plans, there should be enough time to whip up this simple strawberry shortcake — add a handful of blueberries and you’ve got yourself one fantastically delicious and simple no-bake Fourth of July dessert!

Start out with an easy store bought four-pack of biscuits or even angel food cake or pound cake for your “cake” layer. Grab a 16-ounce container of ripe, red strawberries; add a few more simple ingredients and you’ve got yourself a dessert worthy of fireworks!

Lisa’s Patriotic Individual Strawberry & Blueberry Shortcakes:

• 4 pack premade biscuits cut in half and use a biscuit half per individual shortcake
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 16 oz container of strawberries, washed and sliced
• Pint fresh blueberries, washed
• 1 half gallon vanilla ice cream
• 2 cups whipping cream (I whipped mine with 1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for added flavor)

Slice strawberries, sprinkle with sugar and chill in a container covered with a lid for four hours (24 hours is best). Strawberries will make their own juice. Slice biscuits in half. Place biscuit in an individual sized dessert dish, scoop one generous portion of ice cream on top of biscuit, top with a handful of strawberries and a little bit of the strawberry juice, then add a handful of blueberries. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream, top with a few blueberries and strawberries. Enjoy!

Makes 8 individual servings.