In a former life, I made an effort to eat seasonally and focus on local ingredients. But when kids move in, a lot of things change. My weekly jaunt to the farmer’s market eventually got transplanted by online grocery orders placed during midnight feedings. Now I’ll sneak to the market for some local love when I can, and I try to keep the seasons in mind while I’m shopping.

But berries are my biggest exception. Two of my kids love fruit of all kinds, but my oldest is a bit picky. She’ll eat an apple slice here or there and a bit of plum or kiwi. Every other fruit gets pushed around her plate or mysteriously falls on the floor. But she’ll eat blueberries and strawberries for days. So no matter the season or our location, I try to have berries on hand.

These all American berries are super easy and so cute that even picky eaters won’t be able to resist. They’re perfect as a snack, pancake topping, or light dessert for all your patriotic 4th of July, election day, or inauguration parties. Best of all they’re healthy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint blueberries

• 1 lb. strawberries, hulled and halved

• Seeds of 1 pomegranate

• 1 apple

• Juice of 1/4 lemon

Method:

1. Combine the blueberries, strawberries, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.

2. Slice the apple horizontally into several 1 in. wide rings. Use a sharp pairing knife or a small star shaped cookie cutter to cut out apple stars. Toss the stars in the lemon juice to prevent browning.

3. Top the berries with the apple stars and enjoy.