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Mariel here (again). When my parents were still married, we used to head to my paternal grandparents’ farm in Pleasant Valley, New York as often as possible. My grandmother and grandfather lived on 23 relatively untamed acres – save for two sprawling grass fields complete with a four-stable barn – that was absolute paradise for a horse-loving little girl. It was in their “backyard” paddock that I first sat on the backs of Dusty, Beau and Chance starting at the ripe old age of two. I spent many weekends upstate, helping my grandfather feed the horses at an ungodly predawn hour and every time the family car rattled up the gravelly driveway, I prayed under my breath that Grandpa Hank would utter those five magical words, “Do you wanna ride today?”
My grandfather was a tough nut to crack and didn’t dole out kind words for no reason, but he and I had a special bond – our shared love and understanding of horses – and he taught me much of what I know about these incredible animals. I had always imagined that “The Farm” would be ours someday – especially since my dad and uncle built my grandparents’ farmhouse by hand – but after my grandmother passed away in 2002, it was sold.
I can still recall the exact smell of the pastures and the adjacent house and, to this day, I can still taste my grandmother’s cooking. She had a small repertoire of dishes she’d make for us when we visited, and it usually included Chef Boyardee ravioli, a whole chicken and Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie. My mom, who inexplicably detested this particular dessert, was convinced my grandmother made it on purpose just to spite her. And since she hated it, we hated. Only years later, when my mom became a mother-in-law herself and started serving shrimp to my shrimp-hating husband did she realize that Grandma Dee’s determination to force-feed her rhubarb was coming from a place more forgetful than hostile.
For years, my mom’s distaste for Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie had me convinced that this bright pink stalk was a vile weed, a vegetable patch terrorist that otherwise ruined perfectly good strawberries. It wasn’t until exactly two months ago that I tried rhubarb as an adult…and, as you’ve probably already guessed, I loved it. Since rhubarb is always – and unfairly – paired with some sort of berry complement, I decided to let this stalk stand alone. I had never whipped up homemade sorbet before – I had wrongly assumed you needed an official ice cream maker for such an undertaking – but this delicious fruity dessert is a snap to prepare and it’s impressive too. My husband keeps muttering, “I can’t believe you made sorbet, that’s sooooo fancy.” It’s not, but no one has to know.
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Sweet-Tart Rhubarb and Ginger Sorbet
Makes about a quart
Ingredients:
1 lb of rhubarb (about 8 big stalks), washed, trimmed of any rough ends and cut into 1-inch chunks – $2.99
1 cup sugar – stock
ยพ cup water – stock
2 heaping teaspoons of fresh ginger, grated – $0.89
Grand total assuming a well-stocked kitchen: $3.88
Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, bring the sugar, water and ginger to a gentle boil over a medium-high flame, heating until the sugar dissolves. About 2 minutes.
2. Add the rhubarb chunks to the brew, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rhubarb becomes very tender.
3. Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth (careful, it’s hot).
4. Transfer the pureed rhubarb to an airtight, freezer-safe container and chill for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. If you have an ice cream maker, just follow the manufacturer directions.
5. Eating it: if you use the airtight container method, you’ll need to let the sorbet sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes and soften up a bit before attempting to dish it out.
How easy and delicious looking! Rhubarb gets a bad rap. Our local mechanic used to bring my mom bunches every week during rhubarb season. It definitely has sentimental value!
We all seem to get the taste for rhubarb from our Grandparents. Great post and pic.
I must confess I have avoided this veggie stalk all my life too. Your pretty picture, touching story and admittance of just recently trying this veggie has convinced me and inspired me!
Love to hear about your grandparent’s farm ๐ sweet memories! ๐
I have to admit, I’m blessed to have a mama and a grandma that memorize everyone’s favorite foods and eagerly awaits the days in which they can make them. It’s a trait I hope I have someday, too.
I never really cared for it until my friend introduced it to me in pie. Oh my, this is going to be a treat. Thanks for the recipe!
Wow how gourmet! I really want to try to make sorbet but for some reason it scares me. You make it sound easy though ๐
It’s sooooo easy, I mean probably one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever made!
This is fantastic! I do love rhubarb, but have never tasted it in sorbet… I love it!
Great post. Your farm description is a sensory experience and I can picture being there eating ginger rhubarb sorbet!
Looks amazing and refreshing
Your rhubarb sorbet looks to die for! I love the colour…so summer and tempting!
I want to live with you guys. Seriously, can you come cater for….my life? Everything you post looks amazing!
Oh, Rachel. You just made our day. After a very long day in the kitchen, prepping for a catering gig tomorrow, your words made us smile. Thank you!! M & M
I’m so glad you finally tried rhubarb and decided to make this beautiful sorbet and let it stand alone! I’ve never had rhubarb by itself, but now you have tempted me to try it!
Beautiful sorbet! Love the flavor too!
Count me in! It looks so refreshing and pretty.
rhubarb ushers in spring and is the one thing i cannot wait for, and simply do not have enough of, planted in my garden . . . oh how i love this one!
What a fantastic flavor combo! Will make this THIS WEEK!
Lovely color of the sorbet, I couldn’t take my eyes of it too, and what a daring combination for a sorbet:) It looks gorgeous nevertheless, and I am wondering how it tastes like too…bet it was amazing too!!:D
Great combination of flavors! I think rhubarb is unfairly relegated to top cakes and pies, but there’s a lot more to it.
Wow, this looks so good. What a light, refreshing dessert!
found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later
So glad you found us! Thanks for your note and let us know if you ever have any questions about our recipes. Cheers!