Patriotic Shower Recipes
Not everyone dreams of traditional white weddings, or even pink, blue or yellow baby showers. These days it’s all about expressing yourself, and for some people that means bright colors and daring themes! Why not serve up some delicious treats that take a cue from the unity of our 50 states and go Red, White and Blue! Be sure to look at our patriotic baby shower and bridal shower themes.
Red, White and True Punch
If you choose a juice that's low in sugar, compare the sugar content to that of the Gatorade. The drink with the most sugar must go on the bottom - that's what makes the layers separate.
INGREDIENTS
3 ounces cranberry juice or fruit punch
3 ounces Gatorade sports drink (blue)
3 ounces sugar free 7-Up or Sprite
ice cubes
DIRECTIONS
Place the ice cubes in the bottom 3rd of a tall 12 ounce clear glass.
Pour the cranberry juice or fruit punch in to fill the bottom 3rd.
Place a few more cubes into the middle and pour in the blue Gatorade to fill the glass 2/3 full.
Place the final 3rd of ice in the glass.
Pour in the diet 7up or diet Sprite.
Serve and enjoy!
Love Me Tender Trifle
This trifle is all about assembling ingredients; the only thing you’ll “cook” is the custard if you choose not to purchase it pre-made (it’s worth it!). The great thing about trifle is it’s best made the day before, so you can get it ready well before shower time!
INGREDIENTS
2 store-bought butter pound cakes, thawed and edges trimmed (16 ounces each)
3 tablespoons seedless raspberry jam
6 cups fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon water
3 cups fresh raspberries
4 cups vanilla custard, refrigerated until firm (store-bought or see recipe below)
1 cup lightly sweetened whipped cream
DIRECTIONS
FOR THE HEARTS: Slice each cake lengthwise into 5 equal pieces. Spread scant 2 teaspoons jam each on 5 cake slices and top with remaining slices to create jam sandwiches. Using a 2-inch heart cookie cutter, cut out 3 stars from each sandwich. Chop remaining sandwich scraps into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.
FOR THE BERRIES: Toss blueberries, 1 tablespoon sugar and water in bowl. In a separate bowl, toss raspberries with remaining sugar. Let sit until sugar dissolves and berries are glossy, about 5 minutes.
TO ASSEMBLE: Arrange 7 heart sandwiches upright around bottom of 3-quart trifle dish. Place 2 cups sandwich scraps in center of dish. Arrange 3 cups blueberries around stars, piling up blueberries so that they surround all edges of stars. Spread 2 cups custard in even layer on top of blueberry and cake layer. Place 1 cup sandwich scraps on center of custard layer. Arrange 2 cups raspberries around perimeter of dish. Spread remaining custard in even layer on top of raspberries. Arrange 7 star sandwiches upright around perimeter of dish. Arrange remaining blueberries around stars and pile remaining raspberries in center of dish. Spoon whipped cream on top of raspberries and top with remaining star.
Trifle Tips
- Instead of serving in a trifle bowl, try using individual serving glasses. This adds an elegant and personal touch.
- Although it adds a nice gloss, you can skip tossing the berries in sugar if you're short on time - it will still look fabulous!
- A straight-sided trifle bowl works best. Purchase this one at Kmart for just $9.99!
- You can substitute strawberries for the raspberries when they’re in season, just be sure to arrange them cut-side in for the best presentation.
- Does the guest of honor love chocolate? Try adding some chocolate shavings on top for a delicious twist!
- If making the trifle ahead, save the last of the berries and whipped cream for just before serving. You’ll want these to look as fresh as possible!
Cupid's Custard
Thought you couldn’t make custard? You’ll think again after trying my easy recipe!
INGREDIENTS
4 cups heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 large egg yolks
6 tablespoons cornstarch
8 tablespoons butter, COLD, cut into 8 pieces
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Heat cream, all but 4 tablespoons sugar and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks in medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Whisk in remaining 4 tablespoons sugar until sugar begins to dissolve. Whisk in cornstarch until mixture is pale yellow and thick, about 30 seconds. When cream mixture reaches full simmer, gradually whisk half into yolk mixture to temper. Return mixture to saucepan, scraping bowl with rubber spatula; return to simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until 3 or 4 bubbles burst on surface and mixture is thickened, about 1 minute. Off heat, whisk in butter and vanilla.
Transfer mixture to bowl, press plastic wrap directly on surface and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
Decorating Tips for your Table
- Don’t “overdo” the red and blue – make white the main color and save the red and blue for accents. This will make it more elegant and the red and blue will really pop!
- Tie a big blue and white ribbon around a metal beverage tub and place it on your buffet table. Fill it with ice and some personalized water bottles with a red, white and blue label, complete with the name of the happy couple and the date of the wedding! You can order personalized Red, White and Blue Baby Shower or Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party water bottle labels from BadaBadaBingo.com!
Hang some cardboard stars from the ceiling above your buffet table.- Use these cookie cutters to make the trifle, then give them as favors. Attach the recipe so your guests can make it at home!
- Go ahead and use plastic silverware if you wish – just tie each place setting with some pretty red, white or blue ribbon and place it in a pretty basket!
About Kristy "The Recipe Diva"
Kristy Bernardo is a successful self-taught home cook who began her cooking journey when she resigned from the corporate world to raise her two young daughters. Discovering she had a knack for finding and creating recipes that were simple enough for weeknight cooking yet elegant enough to serve at her now-famous dinner parties, she decided to carve out a niche for herself in the food world.
Kristy is the writer behind the successful food blog The Wicked Noodle, and she frequently hosts everything from formal dinner parties to casual barbecues. She is always the go-to person for showers and parties – anywhere that a creative recipe is required! Currently at work on a cookbook, and now our newest Diva, she’s happy to be here to help you make your showers and parties the very best they can be!
Each month on The Shower Diva, Kristy will share some featured recipes she’s handpicked to work beautifully with one of The Shower Diva’s Baby Shower or Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party themes. Read more about Kristy or send her a food-related question now! Kristy is available to answer questions about these recipes or give you suggestions for others.
