Sweet Treats for the 4th!

Happy 4th! I hope you guys are all having a fit and healthy holiday week! In case you are looking for some sweet treats or a cocktail – here are a few that won’t wreck your clean diet. 

In this post:

• Revolutionary Berries
• Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic
• Watermelon Salad

Revolutionary Berries

(from Family Fun Magazine)

These berries look so festive and will satisfy your sweet tooth just as good as a cupcake or other high-fat and high-calorie treat. *If you want to cut the sugar and calories even more, you can swap the white chocolate for a small amount of powdered sugar or Stevia.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips*
• Strawberries
• Blue sugar or edible glitter

Instructions

1. Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate chips in a microwave according to the package directions (make sure the container and the berries are dry; even a little moisture will alter the texture of the candy).
2. One at a time, dip strawberries into the chocolate and then into blue sugar or edible glitter.
   3. Set them to harden on waxed paper.
   4. Makes 35 to 45 decorated berries.

Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic

(from Cooking Light)

A reinterpretation of the familiar gin and tonic, this cocktail includes fresh watermelon and cucumber juices for a refreshing taste. Hendrick’s, a small-batch Scottish gin that’s infused with the flavor of cucumber and rose petals, is ideal for this recipe. For even better results, try premium tonic water, such as Fever-Tree or Q Tonic. Serve any remaining juice mixture (which you can make a day ahead) over ice for guests who prefer a nonalcoholic drink.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
• 1/4 cup mint leaves, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
• 1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups) 
• 2 1/2 cups tonic water, chilled
• 1 1/4 cups gin

Preparation

1.  Combine half each of watermelon, mint, juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheesecloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges; strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat the procedure with the remaining watermelon, mint, juice, and cucumber.
2. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture, tonic water, and gin, stirring well to combine. (Reserve any remaining juice mixture for another use.) Serve over ice..