Pleasant Valley Plant Farm

  Just heard from my son, and daughter-in-law in PNG, that Papua New Guinea, and found out that he has Rhubarb in his garden:-)

 I was quite surprised, but so happy to share some great recipes.

I have enjoyed Rubarb for many years, and had never  had Rhubarb sauce until my mother-in-law

served me some with vanilla ice cream and a sugar cookie.  I was impressed, and we had a great

conversation of how we love Rhubarb,  how as a young mother, she enjoyed the earliest harvests of

young stalks and making sauce, then canning some, made for tastefull surprises, mid winter, and

held promises of spring each February, before spring really arrived. I share her experience, as we all do,

those of us that like Rhubarb, that is.

I love that memory, and share it with all my family, and some how I think Gladys, that was my mother-in

-laws name, and she  passed so young at 56,  knew that the sharing of that day would continue and somehow

bless her children and even her grandchildren, even though she wasn't there for all of my childrens births.

Neat lady, and she smiles down on us now, knowing that  those simple times, those simple conversations, live on and help us still:-) 

This is a terrific  treat, to top ice cream, have on shortcake, or just a spoonful for a quick lift. 

Rhubarb Sauce: 

3 C. 1/2" slices of Rhubarb

1 1/2 C sugar,  you can adjust by a 1/4 C for your particular taste,     mix and let sit in fridge to soften and release juices, over night

Place in heavy bottom pan, and set to simmer, and bring to a  simmer SLOWLY  adding 1/4 t salt.

When sauce is soft,  and of correct and desired texture, and I like it pretty creamy, you can add a dash of cinnamon, or vanilla

if you prefer additional seasoning. Then ENJOY:-)

 We also get creative and add a bit of berries or pineapple sometimes. 

 I really love this fresh and admit I just freeze packs of sliced Rhubarb and make it

throughout the season with the frozen packs.  But a few years ago, I was reminded why, we folks can,

the power was down for many days and we didn't know when it would be on, thankfully it was only 6 days,

but a freezer, needing electricity, is definitely at risk in these occasions, so maybe this year will be my

first year of canning some too, as I have bunches, and bunches, and have frozen many portions.

I hope you will try these suggestions, and have those conversations, and get together occassions for sharing

your creations:-)

Just share your labors of love, they last Generations and make the family that we need and want,:-)