Rhubarb Report, Plus Delightful Spring Rhubarb-Strawberry Cobbler

You’re probably going to think it’s silly, but I have to give you my rhubarb report! My two whole plants are up, and I’m projecting that some stalks will be ready in another month.

Yes, they may still be on the young, thinnish side, (as opposed to those at left) but actually, they’re better that way. As is true of many veggies—yes, rhubarb is technically a vegetable—the stalks tend to become tough and woody as they mature. Look closely at the reddish stems peeking out from under the large leaves in the pic below; they’re part of my crop to come!

Though my rhubarb stalks and those at top left are red, they can actually vary from crimson to ruddy, to pinkish green to light green depending on the variety. The red kinds are more popular simply because they look prettier; they aren’t really any sweeter tasting.

Unless you grow your own rhubarb, you may not have ever seen the stalks and leaves together. That’s because the leaves are actually poisonous, so growers play it safe and trim them off before they ship to stores. (In case this sounds alarming, keep in mind that you’d probably have to eat a pound or more of leaves to become really sick.)

The leaves on my plants are currently about a foot long, but by the time I harvest, they may be double that. The pic at left shows several leaves from my last year’s crop—they were over two feet and, in fact, not exceptionally large! I fill the big empty space left after the harvest by tucking in some annual flowers.

Since I know the local rhubarb isn’t ready yet, I looked into the source of what’s now in the stores. It turns out that most of it is raised in hothouses in the Northwest. Hothouse rhubarb is usually a brighter hue, more tender, and has a less robust taste than cultivated rhubarb. But never fear, it works just fine in the following recipe, and, in fact, I’m always happy to get it to tide me over till the regional supply kicks in!

I’m fond of “plain” rhubarb and always ready at least a few dishes of stewed rhubarb each season. My hubby, however, only likes it combined with strawberries, which I admit is a killer combination. There is a wonderful synergy, with the strawberries lending a lovely berry goodness and the rhubarb providing a terrific zing.

Rhubarb-Strawberry Cobbler

When it comes to pairing rhubarb and strawberries, there are lots of options. This homespun strawberry-rhubarb cobbler is one of my hubby’s favorites, and I love it, too. (For an amazing and amazingly easy strawberry-rhubarb freezer jam that’s been a huge hit with visitors to kitchenlane click here.)

The cobbler is mellowed with a biscuit crust and bursts with bright flavor. The recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. (If you’re in the mood for a home-style fruit dessert, but have no rhubarb on hand, try my blueberry-apple crumble instead.)

This recipe is from my Dream Desserts cookbook and the photo was taken by the very talented Marty Jacobs. (My scanned copy really doesn’t do his original justice–sorry Marty!)

Tip: If possible use a casserole or baking dish (I love the antique oven-proof glass casserole in the pic) that can go from stove-top to oven. But if you don’t have one, ready the filling in a large, non-reactive saucepan. Then transfer it to an oven-proof casserole or an extra-large and deep pie plate for the baking.

Generous 3/4 cup sugar, plus more to taste
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons cranberry juice cocktail, or orange juice
3 cups 3/4-inch pieces fresh rhubarb
1 3/4 cups halved fresh strawberries
Dough
1 1/4 cups all-purpose white flour
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into bits
1 1/2 tablespoons corn oil or canola oil
5 tablespoons milk, plus more if needed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

For filling: In a non-reactive 3-quart or larger stove-top and oven-proof casserole thoroughly stir together 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch. Slowly stir in cranberry juice until well blended and smooth. Add rhubarb; cook over medium-high heat, stirring, just until liquid is thickened slightly and clear. Remove from heat; stir in strawberries. Taste and add more sugar, if desired.

For dough: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly stir together flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and salt. Add butter and oil. Using a pastry blender, forks, or fingertips, cut in fat until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk to mixture, tossing with a fork just until evenly incorporated; if it seems dry, add a teaspoon or two extra milk. If mixture seems wet, let it stand 5 minutes to reduce stickiness.

Gently press dough together into a ball. Then press out into a flat 5-inch disc on a sheet of wax paper. Dust dough top with flour. Top with another sheet of paper. Press or roll out into a round slightly small than the diameter of the casserole used. Peel off one sheet of paper. Center dough, dough-side down, over fruit mixture. Peel off and discard second sheet. Make several decorative slashes radiating from center of dough top. Sprinkle reserved 1 tablespoon sugar over top.

Bake in middle third of oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until top is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in center top comes out clean. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

The cobbler will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days. Serve at room temperature or reheated to warm in a low oven.

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