February 2009

The Worldly Rhubarb,

Starting on Valentines' Day, the cities of Prosser and
Sumner in Washington State are actively trying to
promote themselves with each-other's help.

Sumner actually proclaims itself the Rhubarb Pie Capitol.
(I didn't know this!) Prosser prides itself on Washington
Wines.

Both Mayors will be attending each-others local events in
the hopes of cross-promoting each-other and ultimately
sending tourists each-other's way.

The Sumner Sweetheart Wine Walk begins on Valentines'
Day with the Prosser Mayor and Officials in attendance.
They will bring samples of their wine. In July '09 Sumner
officials will attend the Prosser Art and Wine Gala, which
is an annual event. It's hoped that they arrive with lots of Rhubarb Pies.
Maybe they will bring some rhubarb wine as well!


Speaking of Valentines' Day, you may be familiar with
the Rhubarb Sisters. They will be performing the week
before in Lanesboro, home of the Lanesboro Rhubarb
Festival.

The Art Council is sponsoring the "Unlucky in Love"
Concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the St. Mane Theatre in
downtown Lanesboro.

Minneapolis singers the Charmettes and Lanesboro's own
Rhubarb Sisters will be performing songs of the 1920's,
30's and 40's.

Rhubarb Sister Beth Hennessy said the group
began when Peggy Hanson sang the Beebopareebop
Rhubarb Pie song during Lanesboro's first annual
Festival in 2005.

Plan to attend if you can.


Looking for Some New Recipes?

Quickie Rhubarb Custard
Very Easy, quick to put together!

2 cups of thinly sliced rhubarb
1 cup sugar substitute or regular white sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup cream

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray the pan with some Pam.

Place rhubarb in the pan, and cover with sugar.

Beat cream, eggs and water, and pour over the rhubarb.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until center is set. Cool and
refrigerate. Slices like pie wedges.

Berry and Rhubarb Pies
Courtesy of Jen Woodward The Examiner
Australia

2 cups chopped rhubarb

1/4 cup sugar

2 tblsp. water

1 tblsp. cornflour

2 cups mixed berries (frozen or fresh)

1 egg white

2 tsp. sugar (extra)

shortcrust pastry

Method

Place rhubarb, sugar and half the water in a medium
saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer
covered about 3 minutes. Blend cornflour with remaining
water and stir into rhubarb mixture. Stir over heat until
mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat; stir in
the berries and let cool.

Grease six 3/4 cup muffin pans. Cut out six 12cm rounds

of pastry. Press rounds into pan holes. Refrigerate 1/2 hour.

Preheat oven to 200C. Cut out six 9cm rounds from pastry.

Divide fruit mixture among pastry cases. Brush edge of

9cm rounds with egg white; place over filling. Press

well to seal. Brush tops with egg white; sprinkle with

extra sugar. Bake pies about 30 minutes. Let stand

10 minutes before lifting out. Serve warm with cream

or ice-cream.


Remember, please feel free to contribute your Rhubarb Family Favorite at

Best Rhubarb Recipes

Well, where rhubarb is very welcomed in one place,
it's not necessarily welcomed in another.

Interesting story recently about the war against giant
Chilean rhubarb. Apparently an infestation in New
Zealand is a threat to the native plants because the
huge leaves block the sun. It actually smothers some
rare plants that are only found on the Taranaki coast.

These huge plants have to be destroyed unfortunately
with machetes and chemical sprays. Ironically, this
rhubarb is also known as a delicacy and sprinkled with
salt and chilli to bring out the flavour.

It is listed as a "pest" but is used as a popular plant
for landscaping and exists in many gardens.

Have a look at this interesting plant.

The Pesky Chilean Rhubarb

JUST A TIP, MORE OF A REALIZATION REALLY,

I had mentioned that my grandparents used an old tire
for their rhubarb and it really was the best spot to
get it. Read a news item recently that talked about
someone using tires on purpose to plant it in.

I guess the heat from the rubber super-warms the earth
and this triggers the growth spurt. Makes sense.
(I assumed it was about recycling, but who knows?)

So, if you have some old tires hanging around, maybe
this is a good plan. Food for thought!

Until Next Time,
Elizabeth