Rhubarb is a favorite vegetable among Eastern Europeans and it finds its way into everything from beverages, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, to soups to compotes to desserts. Rhubarb packs a lot of pucker power and is usually married with other fruits or the quintessential Eastern European sweetener -- honey.
1. Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie
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When grandma had the luxury of a few hours' spare time, she'd often make this two-crust pie with her garden rhubarb.
2. Rhubarb Cream Tart
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And if grandma really had time on her hands when the rhubarb was in, she'd make a lattice-top tart with a sweet pastry dough.
3. Rustic Strawberry-Rhubarb Tart
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My grandmother made this one-crust tart on busy wash days. Today, this open-face pie is considered a chi-chi dessert.
4. Rhubarb-Carrot Salad
Rhubarb-Carrot Salad
Many Eastern European salads are dressed with sour cream instead of a vinaigrette, as in this case where rhubarb and carrots mingle contentedly in a creamy dressing.
5. Cold Rhubarb Soup
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This is another warm-weather refresher. Even though this soup is slightly sweet, it is eaten not as a dessert, as some fruit soups are, but with kluski or croutons as the first course of a multicourse meal.
6. Rhubarb Applesauce
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This pairing of rhubarb and apples is a match made in heaven. It's a great accompaniment to pork and poultry.
7. Rhubarb Compote
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Rhubarb Compote is similar to a chutney in that it cuts the fattiness of certain meats like pork and duck. It also works well spooned over ice cream or pound cake.
8. Rhubarb-Honey Drink
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This refreshing drink with its slight tang, not unlike lemonade, is a real thirst quencher.
9. Rhubarb Cordial
© 2008 Barbara Rolek licensed to About.com, Inc.
You'll have to wait several months for this fruity liqueur to be at its best, but it's worth it. Start now and you'll have wonderful Christmas gifts!
