Monday, May 7, 2012

~IT'S TIME~

The first vegetable harvest of the season is always a special occassion here in the Northeast...Now, our (Maine) first harvest is not spinach, nor lettuce but typically the "good old rhubarb" plant. This plant reminds us that we (Mainer's) have survived the long cold winter and heralds the arrival of spring. Here in the Northeast the rhubarb plant can be found growing in many backyard gardens..
Rhubarb is reconized by it's large broad (poisionous) leaf and red stalks...the stalks have a resemblance to celery...their content mostly water... Put a large pot on the stove add water and sugar and bring to a boil. While the sugar/ water mixture is coming to a boil, slice the rhubarb stalks into inch size pieces and add to the pot of boiling water. Place the lid on the pot, boil for a few minutes and then turn down the heat and let simmer till tender. I ladle into glass jars and once cool keep in my refrig...


The end product is a delicious sweet/tart tasting compote...

There are many ways to use rhubarb: pies, crumbles, muffins, coffee cake, but my personal favorite, served warm over french vanilla ice cream...and yes, I am the only one in my household who will eat rhubarb...so come on and give it a try...rhubarb it's a good thing...

18 comments:

Jacque. said...

My Grandma always canned rhubarb sauce...which was exactly as you described. I used to, back in the day when I took the time to do stuff like that. YUMMY!!!!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I love rhubarb! I've been eyeing mine too! I still have some in the freezer from last summer!!! I like how you've put it in your glass jars too! Maybe I should can some!!!

Kim said...

Not what I was expecting when I opened this post. I thought the Grandbaby was arriving!! Imagine my disappointment that is was rhubarb and not a precious babe! LOL
PS. Have you ever used rhubarb to clean old pots (if you have old pots) You know how sometimes they darken inside. Boil the rhubarb in that pot and the pot is shiny new

Farm Girl said...

I love, love rhubarb. I would come and eat it with you.
I planted three plants this year, it really is too hot, so we have it growing under a bench and it is doing so much better. I can't wait until I can make my own and can it too. Your jars look wonderful.

summersundays-jw said...

I used to love seeing those pink shoots coming up through the ground but last spring neither of my plants came up. Something killed them both & they weren't even planted together. My family loved my old recipe for rhubarb cake but now I have to buy it. Yours looks beautiful. Enjoy!

Rugs and Pugs said...

YUM! I'll stop by for some over ice cream. I've not had it that way but it sure sounds good.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Primitive Stars said...

Hi, yes, yummy in the tummy. Rhubarb always brings back childhood memories, dipping that red stock in a bowl of suger and eating it, mmmm good. Thanks for making me smile, Blessings Francine.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Like everyone else, I am also a big fan of rhubarb. My favorite way to eat rhubarb is with strawberries in a delicious pie. love your jars.

Wendy @ Ravenwood Whimzies said...

Made my first rhubarb pie this weekend...ooohh...so good! It's my favorite. I also love that rhubarb 'sauce' as we call it...I've frozen that in zip lock baggies as well, and it comes out just as tasty as canning.

annie said...

looks so good!

Janice said...

Ha! Like Kim, I was expecting to read about the grandbaby's arrival. But rhubarb is pretty good, too. Not as good as a grandchild, of course!

missthesea said...

That looks so yummy! I love rhubarb, too!

acorn hollow said...

I love it too and make your sauce yum.
Cathy

MTWaggin said...

Heehee I'm totally laughing here as I cut my first rhubarb last night. Unfortunately am still a cup short to make the cake I want to try. Maybe by next week!

Eve said...

OH!!! I want some!!!

Rowan said...

I love rhubarb and enjoy it in any form - when we were little my cousins and I used to have a stick of rhubarb and a saucer of sugar and we ate it raw dipping the end of the stick into the sugar to sweeten it. Not sure I could still do that!

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Just planted my first rhubarb plant up here on the hill! Can't wait for the first strawberry rhubarb pie!!
Hugs,
Courtney

Denise said...

Just reading this post was making my mouth water and prepare for that tart taste......After the rain I am sure I will be dealing with some of my rhubarb!