Spring Delights: The Best Rhubarb Recipes and Diner Secrets from Amanda's Corner
Spring is here, and with it comes a bounty of fresh produce that just begs to be transformed into delightful dishes. Amanda Hesser, renowned food writer and co-founder of Food52, invites us into her world of delicious possibilities, starting with one of the season's stars: rhubarb. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just love experimenting in the kitchen, these insights and recipes are sure to add a spring to your culinary step.
Rhubarb Recipes to Try
Rhubarb is often seen as the herald of spring, and Amanda has curated a list of rhubarb recipes that's as vibrant as the vegetable itself. Consider starting with the Rhubarb Cordial—a refreshing and easy way to preserve rhubarb without delving into jam-making territory. Not only is it a great drink on its own, but it can also elevate cocktails or even a simple iced tea. Amanda recommends using a stylish glass pitcher, doubling its role for cold brews and water, making it as functional as it is fashionable.
For those with a sweet tooth, try the Naughty Rhubarb Scones, a beloved recipe from Food52 community member Midge. These scones are sure to become a weekend staple, perfect for pairing with a good book and a warm beverage.
Matcha lovers, rejoice! The Matcha Rhubarb Loaf Cake combines the earthy flavors of matcha with the tartness of rhubarb, creating a loaf that's as visually striking as it is delicious. And if a classic is what you seek, Anne Dimock’s Straight-Up Rhubarb Pie might just be your go-to dessert this season, courtesy of Dimock's celebrated book "Humble Pie."
Amanda's Kitchen Hacks
Lazy cooks unite! Amanda shares one of her favorite kitchen hacks: using scissors instead of a knife and cutting board for quick preparation. Whether you need to slice asparagus, green beans, or even basil, scissors minimize the mess and speed up the process. Investing in a good pair of kitchen shears—like the handy Zwilling set at Food52—might just be the unsung hero of your kitchen arsenal.
Diner Lingo Buzz
Ever wondered what "English muffin down" means? In a playful twist, Amanda shares diner lingo she picked up from Ali Cayne of Haven’s Kitchen. “English muffin down” refers to one that's perfectly crispy, while "down hard" steps it up a notch to deeply golden and "whiskey down" signals the same for rye bread. Sprinkling these phrases into your next brunch conversation might just earn you a few impressed nods.
Classic and Contemporary at Your Table
If you’re feeling inspired to elevate your table setting, take a page from Amanda’s encounter with Darcy Miller's table design. Laying out a welcoming spread doesn’t require a culinary degree, just a touch of creativity and a few choice pieces of tableware. And before spring fades into summer's heat, why not savor what’s left of the asparagus season—steamed simply and paired with butter and coarse salt for a straightforward, delightful treat?
Spring offers an abundance of fresh ideas and ingredients, perfectly captured in Amanda’s latest dispatch from her culinary adventures. Whether you’re diving into pie-making with the chic pie dish by Outi Putkonen or simply snipping herbs over pasta, there’s no wrong way to celebrate this vibrant season. So roll up your sleeves, sharpen (or swap out) your knives, and let the magic of spring inspire your kitchen creativity.
