Vinegartart

What rhubarb, senna or what purgative drug would scour these English hence?

William Shakespeare – Macbeth,  Act 5, Sc. 3, l. 55-56

Rhubarb is one of my garden over achievers.   At the Penticton Farmers’ Market (or Framers’ Market as I often see it referred to as) I see attendees walking around with two or three stalks of rhubarb.  My initial reaction is to wonder what could possibly be made using such an insignificant amount of rhubarb.  Right now  I am entertaining all recipe ideas that use 10 or 12 cups of rhubarb.  Or more!

This recipe is for those of you who by reasons of luck or choice do not have an over exuberant rhubarb patch.  It uses only one half a cup of rhubarb.  Red rhubarb works much better in this recipe than green.

Pulling  or cutting off seed stalks will keep your rhubarb producing.  Remove rhubarb stalks by pulling up on the stalk.  Don’t pull up and use  all the stalks on one plant.  Leave a few as food for the plant.

Herb Salad

(serves four)

Herb salads require no additions or embellishments.  Just a good vinaigrette. Prepare to enjoy a parade of flavour.  More aggressive herbs such as rosemary, sage, savory or culinary thyme should be saved for another occasion.

Spinach, 2 handfuls

Lettuce, 2 handfuls

Any of the following, but not limited to:

Borage leaves

Lovage leaves

Fresh tarragon leaves

Rocket leaves

Sorrel Leaves

Chives and chive blossoms

Garlic chives

Anise Hyssop

Put 2 tablespoons rhubarb vinaigrette  in the bottom of your beautiful salad bowl.  Add the greens and herbs; toss well.  Add freshly ground pepper and salt to taste.

Rhubarb Vinaigrette

(3/4 cup approx. – this is enough for several meals)

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh ruby-red rhubarb, sliced (use the rhubarb nearest the root as it has the best colour)

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons of honey

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons raspberry infused vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Method

1. In a small saucepan, combine rhubarb and water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until tender about 5 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and stir in honey. Let cool.

3. Add vinegar; slowly whisk in oil. Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

What you accomplish with the recipes I share with you is what makes me eager to share more.  Thank you for following.