“There is no harm in repeating a good thing.” Plato

rewind

I love…

time-worn gently reused clothing..

my favorite woolen sweater wraps its arms around

me

steps on a trail that

retraces again in the shadow of

the last time

when

friendships renewed

bringing forgotten lost joy back

in

silly patterns that revert us back

to our childish

ways

kindness, also tenderness that is

reciprocated

love

 words that replay themselves

over and over again in our

hearts

songs that reprise

their cherished lyrics and musical

form

poetic devices

that lead you to reexamine your

beliefs

favorite poems

recited aloud in whispered

melody

and, of course..

recipes that recur

popping back into my kitchen

with each new

season

along with

friends that revisit, bringing

their pretty bouquets and laughter

Some of you “long time” friends might remember my post this summer about making Pizza with my friend “Jane”. Well, we decided to invite Jane and Marty over for dinner this weekend. I thought I’d start with my Roasted Asparagus Tart, followed by Paper-Bag Trout, Halibut and Salmon parcels, Mercato West’s buffalo mozzarella with Roma tomatoes, and these luscious cumin roasted carrots from my beautiful friend spree.

I still had to find the perfect dessert. Many of you know I have rhubarb on my mind and was thinking of remaking my Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp or revisiting my RudeBarb Rhubarb Compote (boy was I cranky that day)! But fate intervened, there was a recipe from Tartlette in my Inbox, and it was decided! I would reconstruct her recipe and make these wee Grand Marnier laced Petite Strawberry Rhubarb Crisps instead…

Petite Strawberry Rhubarb Crisps

Ingredients
Topping

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup oats
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
zest from 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
pinch of salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold

Filling
1/2 cup granulated sugar
juice of one lemon
4 cups chopped rhubarb
2 cups chopped strawberries
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons Grand Marnier

Ice Cream to serve.

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F.

Lightly butter the inside of 6-8 oven proof cups and place them on a baking sheet lined with non-stick aluminum foil.
First make the topping. In a medium bowl, stir together sugar, flour, oats, brown sugar, lemon zest, cardamom and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until completely blended.

Then make the fruit filling. In a large bowl, blend together the sugar and lemon juice. Then add the chopped rhubarb and strawberries, stirring to coat. Mix in the cornstarch and stir to thoroughly mix again. Finally, sprinkle over the Grand Marnier and stir to mix all of the ingredients together.

Divide the fruit mixture in between the prepared cups.

Divide the oatmeal crisp topping overtop of each cup of fruit.

Place the cups on the foil covered baking sheet.

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the topping is browned. Allow to cool slightly then top with a scoop of ice cream.

{Printable Copy} Petite Strawberry Rhubarb Crisps

oneanna65April 16, 2012 - 7:35 am

Thank You.

wendy@chezchloeApril 16, 2012 - 7:37 am

Love these little beauties…and love the mini bakers. Creuset? I just did rhubarb with blackberry. I’ve had one a day for 3 days. My compromise for not eating cupcakes!

imagesbytdashfieldApril 16, 2012 - 7:37 am

It’s rhubarb time again! :) Yummy!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 7:42 am

Yum! I think these are much healthier, right??

spreeApril 16, 2012 - 7:43 am

Smidge, your loose verse “poem” that opens this post is beautiful! I’ll read it again as soon as I finish here. I love the sounds of your menu!! Such lucky friends to share the table with you! And your rhubarb crisp is a color riot in a pot and I’ll be making it this week! And maybe the week after too, since I’m all for repeating something so gorgeously good!! (Funny, we just repeated those cumin roasted carrots again last night.) xoxox! spree

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 7:44 am

Hahaha.. just can’t get enough.. it just feels like spring then:)

Chica AndaluzaApril 16, 2012 - 7:46 am

They look so pretty and yummy and I adore those pots!

MiskyApril 16, 2012 - 7:52 am

What a delightfully wonderful post. :) I feel all inspired to eat now…

Ashley LarkinApril 16, 2012 - 7:53 am

What beautiful, vivid color, Smidge! And you are so right in all the ways you say — good is worthy of repeating again and again. I would eat that crisp for breakfast. And then again for dessert.

recoverythrumylensApril 16, 2012 - 7:54 am

They look delicious….I also love to constantly update and revise my recipes..I made eggplant parm for my family this wknd but grilled my portion since I’m watching my weight…almost as good…:)

thecompletecookbookApril 16, 2012 - 7:56 am

My Pete would LOVE this!
:-) Mandy

sallybrApril 16, 2012 - 7:58 am

Such a beautiful text, many parts echoed really deep inside me….

I only cooked with rhubarb once, these crisps look so appetizing, maybe even my beloved, the anti-rhubarb guy would fall for them ;-)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 8:00 am

Seredipity! I love those carrots! xoxo

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 8:01 am

Hahaha.. you might have to substitute the rhubarb, perhaps a little apple?? for your beloved.. xo

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 8:01 am

Thanks, Mandy:)

KarenApril 16, 2012 - 8:35 am

I sure that your friends were thrilled with the meal from beginning to end.

chefconnieApril 16, 2012 - 8:37 am

I am seriously craving some Rhubarb now. Great post and beautiful pictures.

niasunsetApril 16, 2012 - 8:46 am

Your poem beatifully expressed, I loved it. And your recipe… Oh my dear I can eat all of them… they seem so delicious and I can’t think anyone who can refuse this. But dear Barbara your cups (or bowl) are so beautiful too… Colourful… Thank you have a nice day, with my love, nia

SarahApril 16, 2012 - 9:22 am

Your poem is making me think long and hard about the things that used to make me happy, the little things that really mattered at some point in my life. I fear I’ve become too busy in every day life to think about them much anymore…. I’m moving way to fast right now, and really needed this reminder to slow down and simplify.

Which would give me so much more time for new things to love, right? Like those rhubarb crisps! They’re beautiful, and now, thanks to you and your rhubarb muffins, I LOVE rhubarb. :) So I will be making those crisps too. In fact, the entire menu sounds incredible!

Thank you so much for this Smidge….you are one incredible girl…
xoxo

JanisApril 16, 2012 - 9:46 am

Oh my gosh! These would be perfect for my newly acquired baking dishes. They’re not as deep but will serve the purpose. I love the pictures and how they make my mouth water. You never do anything halfway. These are pretty amazing. :)

Stan ShillingburgApril 16, 2012 - 10:08 am

Looks delicious! I bet the aroma is amazing!

musingmarApril 16, 2012 - 10:25 am

What a lovely idea for a spring dessert. And the presentation is beautiful. My daughter gave me a set of the little Le Creuset pots with lids and they would be perfect for this dessert. Your poetry was just the thing to read while I’m home for lunch, a reminder of the importance of cherishing what’s special.

Three Well BeingsApril 16, 2012 - 10:44 am

What beautiful words, Barb. Lovely thoughts and a special way for me to begin my week. I have several occasions coming up that are beginning to “stress me out” and I need to remember that they are all connected to people and times I really at heart do cherish. You have a graciousness in your hospitality that I’m sure puts all at ease. Thank you for the “print a copy” button…That is so helpful, and with this recipe, I’ve already pushed “print”–it’s a must. Debra

ValApril 16, 2012 - 10:46 am

RHUBARBTASTIC!

frugalfeedingApril 16, 2012 - 10:49 am

I agree! This is wonderful. I often like to revisit and improve recipes I made when my blog first started… they were fairly awful in comparison to what I do now and I want to remove the shame :D

susielindauApril 16, 2012 - 11:23 am

Every time I come by to visit you blog, I leave hungry…Yum!

Geni - Sweet and CrumbyApril 16, 2012 - 11:39 am

Do you know how I’ve longed for those little Le Creuset dishes? In purple nonetheless…my color of choice. Your rhubarb crisps look DIVINE. Oh so perfect. My mouth is watering and my eyes are nearly teared with joy…and sorrow for not having one in front of me!

CourtneyApril 16, 2012 - 12:06 pm

I need to talk my neighbors into sharing their rhubarb – so many great recipes from you over the last couple days!

BrittanyApril 16, 2012 - 12:24 pm

Oh my goodness, these look amazing. I love the quote, definitely one of my life motto’s!

restlessjoApril 16, 2012 - 1:01 pm

Oh my!

Love

your blog Smidge

The most colourful

creative food blog

I know xx

Time To Be InspiredApril 16, 2012 - 1:56 pm

What beautiful photos! Thanks – now I’m going to have to make crisp!

ChgoJohnApril 16, 2012 - 2:27 pm

I really enjoy how your posts unfold, Barb, and this one is as fine as any. Well there is one little flaw but I won’t let interfere with my enjoyment of this wonderful post. Besides, if anything could entice me to try rhubarb again, it would be one of your crisps. They look fantastic!

JoannaApril 16, 2012 - 2:33 pm

Love your words :) We used to eat lots of rhubarb but have eased off in recent years, those pots do look pretty though, tempting !

hotlyspicedApril 16, 2012 - 3:10 pm

What gorgeous little pots Smidge. I love individual desserts but I don’t always have the little individual containers you need to make them. I think your rhubarb crumble must have been super delicious with the strawberries and lemon added. I’d like to give this a try but I’ll probably have to make one large dish! xx

ceciliagApril 16, 2012 - 3:26 pm

Divine darling, absolutely divine, if you invited me for that dinner i would die of excitement. People don’t invite people for dinner in these parts, I think it is because they don’t drink wine! Plato was a clever chappy.. I am supposed to be making a chicken and apricot pie for dinner, i had better get busy!! c

Choc Chip UruApril 16, 2012 - 3:58 pm

This post was awesome my friend! Not only did you tease my tastebuds as you always do but your poem really spoke to me today :)
Too inspiring!

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Just Add AttitudeApril 16, 2012 - 4:25 pm

Good old Plato – how wise he was. I love your repeating ‘r’ in your evocative poem. I am also liking a lot the pretty mini green dishes.

bitsandbreadcrumbsApril 16, 2012 - 4:27 pm

I see we’ve had similar thoughts about crisps and flavorings. Yours sound delightful, as do some of your revisited recipes…some of which I must visit for the first time. That asparagus tart is calling my name. :)

saffronandhoneyApril 16, 2012 - 4:29 pm

These look gooey good and wonderful! And I am all for revisiting good things. x

Just Add AttitudeApril 16, 2012 - 4:37 pm

Good old Plato – he was so wise. I love the repeating ‘r’ in your evocative poem. I am also liking a lot your pretty mini green dishes.

thekalechroniclesApril 16, 2012 - 4:50 pm

Yum, I love crisps made with oats and brown sugar and fruit — one of my favorite desserts.

ramblings&roastsApril 16, 2012 - 5:09 pm

Just lovely, as always! Makes me rue digging up the monstrous rhubarb beasty plants that were taking over a corner of our yard years ago :( Thanks for the feast…for eyes, tastebuds, and soul!

spicegirlflaApril 16, 2012 - 7:24 pm

How lovely Smidge! Your poetry, your wonderful dinner for your guests and these comforting warm crisps for dessert! How lucky your guests were!!

Rufus' Food and Spirits GuideApril 16, 2012 - 8:34 pm

Wow, those look amazing! Definitely worth repeating.

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:43 pm

Yay!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:44 pm

Spree.. I don’t even think of these little “musings” as poem, but think it’s lovely that their perceived as such:) Thank you xoxoxo

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:45 pm

They were fun.. I felt like bright colors today!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:45 pm

Sometimes repeating feels like I’m stuck in a rut.. But with blogging I feel like some recipes don’t get a good second chance:)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:46 pm

Than eat you should:) xoxo

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:47 pm

That sounds sooo good.. I’ll have to head over to your blog to take a peak:)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:48 pm

I’ve discovered it’s so much nicer having only one other couple.. Less hectic and you really get the chance to catch up. And if you’re behind, they just jump in to help!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:48 pm

I am seriously craving “real” rhubarb.. Do you have any??

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:48 pm

Thank you so much, nia, I hope you had a wonderful day as well!! Xoxo Smidge

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:50 pm

It’s easy for all of us to get caught up in that lifestyle.. I usually get knocked out with a cold or something like that and it forces me to take it easy. Better to remember with a few words from each other:) xxoo and thank you!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:51 pm

I made more than the four.. I used various sizes of weck I had around. It was good to offer smaller for anyone wanting to watch their, um, diet (lol, no one took the small one!)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:53 pm

They did smell wonderful baking…

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:54 pm

I’m sure these are the same.. Or are yours metal? Mine were just glass, so not very expensive. What a lovely gift from your daughter!! I’m glad you enjoyed my poem/rambling words today:)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:56 pm

Debra, I think we all get caught up in that stress.. I hope you can let some of that go.. Even for just this week:) Spend some time on yourself, I think! I hope you enjoy this recipe. When I’m stressed I gather all the ingredients, put on some great tunes and get into a “zone”.. It’s kind of like cooking yoga, lol!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:56 pm

Hahaha.. Now I can’t believe that wasn’t my nickname in school as well!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:57 pm

Hahaha.. It’s sooo true.. I went back to look at my old crumble and found horrid orange-tinted photos.. But I guess..it’s good to see where we’ve come from? Well, maybe not!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:58 pm

Ooops.. Sorry;)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 10:59 pm

Well.. If you lived next door I’d loan them to you:) or gift you some!! I’m not sure they’re Le Creuset, because they’re glass, not metal?? Anyway, the colors are fun!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:00 pm

Oh, no… You’re supposed to climb the fence and sneak some!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:01 pm

You’re sooo sweet :) Thank you!!! xoxo

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:01 pm

It’s so easy and great to inhale when it’s baking:)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:02 pm

Hahaha, you got me for a second, I thought, oops did I type out the wrong measurement? Yes.. If you were my neighbor, I’d be bringing you dish after dish to try to convince you otherwise;)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:02 pm

Perhaps you have another recipe for me to bake in these??

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:05 pm

Oh, c.. That sounds like they’re are just no fun at all! No wine, you say!! Blasphemy! I would have you over and pour copious glasses full.. Til you had to fall asleep in the spare room… And then I’d have to get up and help you feed all your little animals. Ok.. On second thought, a wee bit of wine;) I’ll be waiting to see your chicken and apricot pie on your blog!! xoxo

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:05 pm

Yes.. How did he know so much anyway?? And back then, before the internet;)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:06 pm

Yes.. Gooey and bubbling over, just the way I like them:)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:06 pm

I just love that tart… My guest didn’t like Asparagus, lol, so I told him he could pick them out.. Much laughter there!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:07 pm

I bet you do an awesome version of one! I’ll be watching for your painting of it!!

Purely.. KayApril 16, 2012 - 11:07 pm

Just look at those strawberry rhubarb crisps. I can’t stop staring at them. Barbara.. you are certainly an amazing baking extraordinaire :)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:08 pm

They can grow massive.. My husband used to go “bushwhacking” but one year.. There was nothing left!! I coulda’… well, you know…

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:08 pm

Thanks so much:) We’re lucky to have them for friends!!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:09 pm

I wonder which of your recipes you like to repeat???

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:09 pm

You’re so welcome:)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:10 pm

It’s a good motto to have:) Thanks so much!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:11 pm

I think next time.. one large dish and I’d have one large spoon.. and go hide somewhere;)

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:11 pm

Thanks so much.. I’m happy to see you back on-line as well! Good luck with school!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:12 pm

I just love words.. I’m glad you enjoyed it today!!

Just A SmidgenApril 16, 2012 - 11:12 pm

Well.. it’s amazing what cameras can do.. now if I could figure out how to take better photos of people.. I’m going to have to work on that one!!

AssiaApril 17, 2012 - 12:15 am

These little pots are to die for! I want one now!

SonelApril 17, 2012 - 12:48 am

Oh, that surely brings back memories Smidge and yes, I love those things as well. :)
Wow! Jane and Marty sure are lucky! Hmmmm…can I move in next door to you? LOL!
Those Ruhubarb Crisps sure looks delicious! The minute my Rhubard is big enough to harvest I am going to try it for sure! Thanks for sharing sweetie. Awesome photo’s as usual! :)
*big hugs*

TandyApril 17, 2012 - 12:52 am

I heart this and I really have to try rhubarb soon :)

MiskyApril 17, 2012 - 2:36 am

I made your (although slightly modified) recipe for Rice Krispy Treats with chopped up dried cranberries (and/or cherries) with sugar-free marshmallows. Yummy.

BluejellybeansApril 17, 2012 - 3:15 am

Oh Smidgen! How I would love to eat at your house … if all menus are that mouthwatering :) I can bring the wine ;)

Just A SmidgenApril 17, 2012 - 7:11 am

I think I like anything that is small like that.. I have miniature skillets I will have to use soon… Thanks, Assia!

Just A SmidgenApril 17, 2012 - 7:12 am

Hahaha.. The house next door is for sale!! Wouldn’t that be fun, lol.. In fact a compound of food bloggers.. Oh, there I go getting carried away again.. Thanks, Sonel!! *hugs* back:)

Just A SmidgenApril 17, 2012 - 7:12 am

Thanks Tandy <3

Just A SmidgenApril 17, 2012 - 7:14 am

Oh.. Just bring yourself, we have lots of wine;)

SibellaApril 17, 2012 - 9:48 am

Lovely, as always! <3

SonelApril 17, 2012 - 10:03 am

Whahahaha! Oh, it’s good to dream sweetie and wouldn’t that be fun for sure, but do know this…I won’t bake..I will just eat and roll out of your house other day..hee hee.
*hugs*

Eva TaylorApril 17, 2012 - 10:11 am

“silly patterns that revert us back
to our childish
ways”
…my favourite.

What gorgeous presentation, Barbara, I particularly love the first shot with the glass ramekins, just beautiful. My husband love ruhbarb, although I am not so much as fan, hense I haven’t had it or made it in years! Hope you have a wonderful day.
Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

MalouApril 17, 2012 - 12:12 pm

Wow, this sounds wonderful especially that touch of Grand Marnier! I always love a bit of spirit in my dessert. ;-)

yummychunkletApril 17, 2012 - 12:13 pm

Yum. They look simply delicious. And, I wouldn’t mind a slice of that pizza either.

Mama's Gotta BakeApril 17, 2012 - 12:48 pm

Lovely recipe and even lovelier photos as usual! I have never cooked with rhubarb before, but I will definitely give this recipe a try!

Sawsan@ Chef in disguiseApril 17, 2012 - 2:18 pm

I have a dear friend who lives abroad, when she comes for a visit our best pass time is to go for a walk in our old neighbourhood. When we were kids we would spend hours walking and talking and we like to relive the memories :)

I loved your opening and if we got ruhbab here but if we did, I would make these immediately

musingmarApril 17, 2012 - 2:42 pm

My pots are the same as the green and purple ones in your photos, except I have a set of four different colours – yellow, green, red and blue. My daughter is so thoughtful in her gift selections; I just love these. I keep them on a window sill in the kitchen and they look lovely.

Reem | Simply ReemApril 18, 2012 - 12:03 am

Beautiful!!!
You post are always gorgeous…
And it’s rhubarb time…. Keep it coming gal!!

KristyApril 18, 2012 - 8:16 am

What a fabulous dinner you treated your guests to and an amazing dessert! Can we come over for dinner? LOL. This looks so good. And I loved the opening of this post. It made me smile and gave me a new perspective on a few things this morning. Thanks Smidge!

Bam's KitchenApril 18, 2012 - 10:09 am

If they are petite that means we can have more than one, right? What lucky guests to be served such a lovely meal and reminisce about the good old times. I think the cardamon and the Grand Mariner sound like a very lovely addition to this recipe. Take Care, BAM

susartandfoodApril 18, 2012 - 5:18 pm

Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Please check in at my website for details. Love your blog! Have a great day! http://www.susartandfood.wordpress.com

profiterolesandponytailsApril 18, 2012 - 8:14 pm

Barb, I’m admiring your little dishes — they are so perfect for these little crumbles. After reading your last few posts, I have a definite craving for strawberry-rhubarb…which I’m going to have to take care of very soon! Hope you are having a great evening!

YudithApril 18, 2012 - 8:31 pm

LOVE your post, and I started seeing rhubarb recipes all over the blog.. which means I need to start baking w/ them soon! I love how dainty your cups are… and the pastel green is so perfect for spring! Have a great week Barb!!

GrannyApril 19, 2012 - 9:11 am

Love how the poetic musings lead to the table!

Gretchen O'DonnellApril 19, 2012 - 7:10 pm

printing this one, too!!

cityhippyfarmgirlApril 20, 2012 - 1:43 am

deeelicious! But how cute are those little dishes… with lids and all!

fredphillipsMay 8, 2012 - 11:44 am

Terrific, mouth watering blog! Love your poem…cheers!
PS Thanks for dropping by my blog. So glad you enjoyed it!

fgassetteMay 9, 2012 - 8:15 pm

WELCOME! Thank you for subscribing to follow my blog. I hope you are encouraged, inspired and like the photos I take and post. I look forward to sharing posts with you in the future.

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