Alyce C. sent me this recipe last summer. I never had a chance to make it myself until this past Memorial Day weekend. At my family get-together I served this dessert along with a couple of other choices. This turned out to be the big hit, especially when we followed Alyce's suggestion and served it warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It has this great tasting "custardy" filling that complements the rhubarb beautifully.
I doubled the recipe as Alyce states she does often, and was glad I did.
Rhubarb Crunch Dessert
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
To make the base:
Mix together:
1 cup flour
5 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
Press into a 9-inch pan. Bake 15 minutes.
Filling:
2 eggs
11/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
2 cups cut-up rhubarb
Beat eggs well, add sugar and mix until dissolved. Slowly add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in rhubarb until mixture well blended. Pour on crust. Bake again for 35 to 45 minutes. (At least 45 minutes if recipe is doubled).
Serve warm or cold. Good with vanilla ice cream (especially if warm), or whipped topping.
Buying, story rhubarb
Every year when rhubarb season is here, it amazes me how many of you grow your own rhubarb, and are always looking for different ways to serve it. You have delighted me with sharing your recipes, and have challenged me to offer you different and delicious recipes using rhubarb, each year. I take it very seriously and do my research and testing of recipes (which pleases my family and friends) before passing them on to you.
My few plants did not produce well this year, but thankfully the supermarket had plenty.
When you buy rhubarb choose firm stalks that are deep in color. They will keep in sealed plastic bags in refrigerator up to one week. A pound of rhubarb yields approximately 4 cups of cut-up rhubarb.
Readers' rhubarb tips
Tips I have received from friends and readers:
I use my homemade strawberry-rhubarb sauce on oatmeal and pancakes.
By freezing rhubarb in plastic freezer bags, I use it year-round. I put 2 and one-half cups in each bag. ("I will add this; Heating rhubarb in boiling water for 1 minute and cooling promptly in ice water helps to retain color and flavor when freezing." Pat)
I make rhubarb jam which I give for gifts. It makes a great dipping sauce for pretzels, and when warmed up is great on ice cream.
• • •
Patricia Altomare invites feedback. Email her at patakitchen@yahoo.com, or write care of Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930.
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