Summer has officially arrived so most kids of all ages are on summer break, families are planning and taking vacations, barbecues are in full swing on weekends, and we’re all trying to get back to normal after a few long years.

Fourth of July is right around the corner, which makes the best excuse to gather with family and friends at parks and beaches where potlucks are abundant, filled with delicious savory dishes and scrumptious desserts.

I’ve always been a savory cook. Baking is my Achilles heel. My hat goes off to all the home bakers and professional pastry chefs because you all are artists when creating sweet treats. Since baking is not in my wheelhouse, I’d like to share my no-bake cream cheese pie that can be garnished with berries to make a red, white, and blue pie perfect for Independence Day.

I was inspired to zest up a traditional cream cheese pie to make it my own. It’s perfect for the non-bakers out there because there’s no baking involved! Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare. And of course, I had to decorate the pie with strawberries and blueberries to create a red, white and blue pie for the patriotic holiday.

Have a safe holiday weekend, and as always, live zestier!

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese for about 30 seconds on medium speed. Slowly add in the condensed milk, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes on low-medium until smooth.

Gently fold in mint and lime zest.

Pour mixture into pie crust and refrigerate for 4 hours or until firmly set.

Add fresh berries, slice and serve.

Esther Kennedy is a Myrtletown resident and recipe creator. She can be reached at estherthezester@gmail.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/estherthezester.