"aunt Sarah's" Rhubarb Pudding Recipe

Aunt Sarah's Rhubarb Pudding has been a beloved family recipe for generations. This delightful dessert showcases the tangy and refreshing flavor of rhubarb, a vegetable often mistaken for a fruit due to its common use in sweet dishes. Rhubarb originated in China and was originally cultivated for medicinal purposes. It wasn't until the 18th century that it gained popularity as a culinary ingredient in Europe.

Fun Fact: In the United States, rhubarb was used to make delicious pies during the colonial times since it was readily available and easy to grow.

To make Aunt Sarah's Rhubarb Pudding, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by removing the skin from the stalks of rhubarb. Wash them thoroughly and cut them into half-inch pieces. You'll need a sufficient amount to fill a medium-sized agate or earthenware pudding dish.

2. Place the cut rhubarb pieces in a stew-pan on the range and cook slowly over low heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of sugar to sweeten the rhubarb and a very small amount of water to create some liquid. The sugar will enhance the natural tartness of the rhubarb, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 pint of flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and free of lumps.

4. Using a knife, cut through the sifted flour mixture with 2 tablespoonfuls of butter. This step is known as "cutting in the butter" and helps distribute it evenly, creating a tender crust.

5. In a small bowl, beat one egg and add it to the flour-butter mixture. Then, gradually add milk to the mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a soft dough or batter consistency. The amount of milk needed will vary, but aim for a thick batter that can be easily dropped onto the rhubarb.

6. Take the hot stewed rhubarb and transfer it to the pudding dish. Then, drop tablespoons of the thick batter over the top of the rhubarb, ensuring the entire surface is covered.

7. Immediately place the pudding dish in a preheated hot oven and bake until the crust is a light brown. The high heat will help the crust rise and develop a beautiful color, while the rhubarb fills the dish with its sweet aroma.

8. Once the pudding is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve on individual dishes, and for an extra touch of decadence, top each portion with a couple of tablespoonfuls of the following sauce.

To make the delicious sauce that complements the rhubarb pudding perfectly, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 2 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The combination of the sweet vanilla sauce and tart rhubarb creates a heavenly balance of flavors. You can adjust the amount of sauce according to personal preference, adding more or less depending on how sweet you like your dessert.

Aunt Sarah's Rhubarb Pudding is not only a delightful dessert on its own but also pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added creaminess. The contrast of temperatures and textures makes each bite a delightful experience.

Similar to Aunt Sarah's Rhubarb Pudding, there are other delicious rhubarb desserts worth exploring. Rhubarb Crumble is a popular choice, where the stewed rhubarb is topped with a crunchy mixture of butter, sugar, and oats, then baked until golden and bubbling. Rhubarb Cobbler is another classic option, where the rhubarb is placed on the bottom of the dish, topped with a sweet biscuit-like topping, and baked until the crust is golden brown.

No matter how you choose to enjoy rhubarb, whether in a pudding, crumble, cobbler, or any other form, its unique tartness and vibrant flavor make it a standout ingredient in any dessert. Aunt Sarah's Rhubarb Pudding is a timeless recipe that will continue to be passed down from generation to generation, bringing joy and satisfaction to those who have the pleasure of tasting it.

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