{"id":3552,"date":"2012-06-25T09:35:00","date_gmt":"2012-06-25T09:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=3552"},"modified":"2012-06-25T09:35:00","modified_gmt":"2012-06-25T09:35:00","slug":"romancing-the-rhubarb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=3552","title":{"rendered":"Romancing the Rhubarb"},"content":{"rendered":"

It was a rhubarb<\/a> spring for me. Looking at the photos I took during an early season trip to Provincetown, a big smile crossed my face as I recalled taking these pictures early one morning in our Chandler House<\/a> kitchen, before enjoying a perfect breakfast.<\/p>\n

\"PMC_1114<\/a><\/p>\n

That little, lovely jar, shining in the morning sun, was full of rhubarb preserves from PB Boulangerie<\/a> in Wellfleet<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"DSC_3661<\/a><\/p>\n

We always stop there on our way into P-Town to supply ourself with their crusty baguettes, buttery croissants, and bike trail cookies. <\/p>\n

These oh-so-satisfying, sweet\/tart preserves (made by the owner's mother when she visits from France) inspired me to seek out rhubarb in other forms all spring.<\/p>\n

\"20100518DSC_5617%20-%20Version%202\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I bought fresh rhubarb at the Copley Square<\/a> Farmers' Market and, following my Grandpa's lessons, turned it into a rhubarb compote. He didn't actually use recipes. He just cut the rhubarb in his back yard, removed the leaves, washed it, chopped it, and then cooked it down with a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of water. <\/p>\n

Here is a basic recipe<\/a>. But, read the comments. There are great ideas there that I'm going to try.<\/p>\n

I've spotted strawberry rhubarb pies at the markets. Barbara Hamiltion of Hamilton Orchards<\/a> said she's planning to make some rhubarb preserves and may even make some with low sugar or honey for those who like a touch of sour.<\/p>\n

On my tasting list are Fee Brothers Rhubarb Cocktail Bitters<\/a>\"\", Rhubarb soda, and\u2013 when she makes them\u2013 Vianne Chocolat's Raspberry Rhubarb Truffles!<\/a><\/p>\n

What's on your rhubarb shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon<\/a>\"\" from here to support this site!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n