Candied Rhubarb Food

CANDIED RHUBARB

Steps:

• Use either a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler to cut the rhubarb into thin strips.
• Heat the water and sugar together in a small saucepan, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Put the strips of fresh rhubarb in the warm simple syrup, and then arrange the sugar-coated rhubarb on a baking tray lined with a non-stick silicone mat.
• Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes, until most of the moisture is baked out of the rhubarb.

RHUBARB-GINGER JAM

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan, stirring over medium high heat until sugar dissolves.
• Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium. Simmer until jam thickens and mounds on a spoon (about 20 minutes); stir often to prevent scorching.
• Transfer to jars, cover and chill. Keep refrigerated.

RHUBARB COMPOTE WITH GINGER

Steps:

• Combine rhubarb, sugar, orange juice, and candied ginger in a large glass or ceramic jar. Let stand, 8 hours to overnight.
• Move rhubarb mixture into a pot and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, about 15 minutes. Sweeten with more sugar to taste and pour into a clean jar. Close with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

RHUBARB WITH BERRIES AND CANDIED GINGER

Steps:

• 1. Wash the rhubarb, trim off the ends of the stalks, then slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch chunks. If the stalks are very thick, halve them lengthwise first. Toss with the sugar, tapioca, orange juice, zest, and cloves. Arrange in an 8 x 10-inch gratin dish and let stand while you preheat the oven to 400°F. Cover with foil and bake until the fruit is tender when pierced with a knife, 35 to 45 minutes.
• 2. Meanwhile, if you're using strawberries, rinse them quickly, then slice thickly. Plunge mulberries briefly into water and remove any stems. When the rhubarb is done, remove it from the oven, scatter the berries over the top, and let stand with a piece of foil placed loosely over the top. The heat of the rhubarb will open the flavor of the berries, cooking them slightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with cream and crème fraîche whipped together until billowy, and the candied ginger.

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB COBBLER WITH CANDIED GINGER (OAMC)

Steps:

• Fruit Layer: Combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, ginger and flour and pour into a 8x8 inch baking square.
• Topping: In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.Cut in butter with a pastry cutter, or 2 knifes, until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Fold in sour cream until well mixed.
• Drop dough in 6 spoonfuls over fruit--it will not cover fruit entirely.Sprinkle with second amount of sugar.Bake for 30-40 minutes at 375 degrees, or until topping begins to turn golden.
• Serve warm with Ginger Creme Fraiche.
• Ginger Creme Fraiche: Pour whipping cream into a chilled bowl and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form. FOld in sour cream and ginger syrup and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• To Freeze: After cobbler has cooled, wrap with tinfoil, label and freeze for up to 2 months. Ginger Creme Fraiche may be frozen in a freezer container or made fresh at serving time.
• To serve: Thaw both in fridge overnight. If desired warm Creme Fraiche before serving.

RHUBARB FOOL

Steps:

• To make the fool, put the rhubarb, honey, orange zest and juice, candied ginger, vanilla bean, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine, then cover and cook, stirring every few minutes, for 10 minutes, until the mixture has come to a boil and the rhubarb has softened. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, then remove the vanilla bean. Transfer the compote to a bowl, and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, until very cold.
• Whip the cream and sugar until soft peaks form, either by hand or using an electric mixer on medium speed. Set aside 1/3 cup of the compote to garnish the dessert, then fold the remaining compote into the whipped cream. Spoon the fool into six 1/2-cup glasses or dishes and chill for 1 hour before serving topped with the remaining compote.
• Storage: This fool is best served the day it is made, but any leftovers can be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• If you would like to garnish the dessert with candied rhubarb strips, make them first: Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat mat or lightly greased parchment paper.
• Cut the rhubarb into 6-inch lengths, then cut each piece into strips 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch thick with a good peeler, a mandoline, or a well-positioned knife. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook and stir until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from the heat. Dip the rhubarb ribbons into the syrup, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, laying them out flat and ensuring that they do not touch each other.
• Bake for about 45 minutes, until dry. While they are still warm, twist the strips into shapes, wrapping them around your finger or the handle of a clean wooden spoon. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.