Here's to the Red, White and Blue!

On this day in 1777, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted the "Stars and Stripes" as the national flag of the United States. The Flag Resolution stated "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."

Betsy Ross is credited with sewing up this first patriot effort for the new nation. She and her husband owned an upholstery business, and were good friends of George Washingon. As the story goes, George brought a scetch of his vision for the flag to Betsy, who got right to work!

Her home in Philadelphia is shown here at left, and her finished product below.

In honor of the day, I think I will go home and make a red, white and blue tart to honor the occasion. Basically, on a baked sweet pastry shell, even Pillsbury  pre-made dough will do, place some vanilla custard (recipes abound on-line), and arrange various blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries on top. I would think a nice glass of not-too-dry champagne would go very well with this, along with a toast to the Red, White and Blue! Hip, Hip, Hoorah!