The Dress Rehearsal ♥ ever constant, she waited in the wings enduring years of performances successes and failures missed lines and arias
Category Archives: Rhubarb
rewind I love… ♥ time-worn gently reused clothing.. my favorite woolen sweater wraps its arms around me ♥
Thank You.
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!
It’s rhubarb time again! 
Yummy!
Yum! I think these are much healthier, right??
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
Hahaha.. just can’t get enough.. it just feels like spring then:)
They look so pretty and yummy and I adore those pots!
What a delightfully wonderful post. I feel all inspired to eat now…
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.
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…:)
My Pete would LOVE this!
Mandy
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 
Seredipity! I love those carrots! xoxo
Hahaha.. you might have to substitute the rhubarb, perhaps a little apple?? for your beloved.. xo
Thanks, Mandy:)
I sure that your friends were thrilled with the meal from beginning to end.
I am seriously craving some Rhubarb now. Great post and beautiful pictures.
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
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
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.
Looks delicious! I bet the aroma is amazing!
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.
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
RHUBARBTASTIC!
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 
Every time I come by to visit you blog, I leave hungry…Yum!
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!
I need to talk my neighbors into sharing their rhubarb – so many great recipes from you over the last couple days!
Oh my goodness, these look amazing. I love the quote, definitely one of my life motto’s!
Oh my!
Love
your blog Smidge
The most colourful
creative food blog
I know xx
What beautiful photos! Thanks – now I’m going to have to make crisp!
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!
Love your words We used to eat lots of rhubarb but have eased off in recent years, those pots do look pretty though, tempting !
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
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
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
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.
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.
These look gooey good and wonderful! And I am all for revisiting good things. x
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.
Yum, I love crisps made with oats and brown sugar and fruit — one of my favorite desserts.
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!
How lovely Smidge! Your poetry, your wonderful dinner for your guests and these comforting warm crisps for dessert! How lucky your guests were!!
Wow, those look amazing! Definitely worth repeating.
Yay!!
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
They were fun.. I felt like bright colors today!
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:)
Than eat you should:) xoxo
That sounds sooo good.. I’ll have to head over to your blog to take a peak:)
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!
I am seriously craving “real” rhubarb.. Do you have any??
Thank you so much, nia, I hope you had a wonderful day as well!! Xoxo Smidge
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!!
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!)
They did smell wonderful baking…
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:)
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!
Hahaha.. Now I can’t believe that wasn’t my nickname in school as well!!
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!
Ooops.. Sorry;)
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!!
Oh, no… You’re supposed to climb the fence and sneak some!!
You’re sooo sweet Thank you!!! xoxo
It’s so easy and great to inhale when it’s baking:)
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;)
Perhaps you have another recipe for me to bake in these??
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
Yes.. How did he know so much anyway?? And back then, before the internet;)
Yes.. Gooey and bubbling over, just the way I like them:)
I just love that tart… My guest didn’t like Asparagus, lol, so I told him he could pick them out.. Much laughter there!!
I bet you do an awesome version of one! I’ll be watching for your painting of it!!
Just look at those strawberry rhubarb crisps. I can’t stop staring at them. Barbara.. you are certainly an amazing baking extraordinaire
They can grow massive.. My husband used to go “bushwhacking” but one year.. There was nothing left!! I coulda’… well, you know…
Thanks so much:) We’re lucky to have them for friends!!!
I wonder which of your recipes you like to repeat???
You’re so welcome:)
It’s a good motto to have:) Thanks so much!!
I think next time.. one large dish and I’d have one large spoon.. and go hide somewhere;)
Thanks so much.. I’m happy to see you back on-line as well! Good luck with school!!
I just love words.. I’m glad you enjoyed it today!!
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!!
These little pots are to die for! I want one now!
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*
I heart this and I really have to try rhubarb soon
I made your (although slightly modified) recipe for Rice Krispy Treats with chopped up dried cranberries (and/or cherries) with sugar-free marshmallows. Yummy.
Oh Smidgen! How I would love to eat at your house … if all menus are that mouthwatering I can bring the wine
I think I like anything that is small like that.. I have miniature skillets I will have to use soon… Thanks, Assia!
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:)
Thanks Tandy <3
Oh.. Just bring yourself, we have lots of wine;)
Lovely, as always! <3
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*
“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
Wow, this sounds wonderful especially that touch of Grand Marnier! I always love a bit of spirit in my dessert.
Yum. They look simply delicious. And, I wouldn’t mind a slice of that pizza either.
Lovely recipe and even lovelier photos as usual! I have never cooked with rhubarb before, but I will definitely give this recipe a try!
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
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.
Beautiful!!!
You post are always gorgeous…
And it’s rhubarb time…. Keep it coming gal!!
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!
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
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
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!
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!!
Love how the poetic musings lead to the table!
printing this one, too!!
deeelicious! But how cute are those little dishes… with lids and all!
Terrific, mouth watering blog! Love your poem…cheers!
PS Thanks for dropping by my blog. So glad you enjoyed it!
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BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
today’s word impulse “crumbs” ♥
I have rhubarb in the garden.. but I am more shocked that you have SNOW?! really? Poor you. My strawberries are flowering which is good .. you can come rob my garden anytime!! c
I love the outdoor dining shot with snow in the background. How very Calgary!
Beautiful.
I love rhubarb! I also love how you set your lovely table outside in the snow. Beautiful!
Great post, Smidge! I was about to choose the first recipe but then the second recipe also looks fab. I go for both. I’ve always been curious about the rhubarb because my mom-in-law used to have it in her garden. Never tried to cook that before but with your amazing recipe, now is the time to try it.
I love the ‘muffin’ tray! I will come and help you get the rhubarb as I’ve never tried it!
I’ve always wondered what rhubarb tasted like, now I know it can at least look delish!
The gorgeous snowy shot compliments the beautiful petit cakes! Absolutely adore them my friend, what an awesome flavour combo
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Such fab photos as usual! I will be making these since I have rhubarb all summer.
My rhubarb is already up! We are at least one month ahead! I just looked at the link for 4/20 for my blog and there is a photo of Boulder on 4/20 from 2010 and there is not one leaf out on a tree. We are fully leafed out already and every spring plant and tree is blooming! I wonder if I can pick some of that rhubarb before it snows this weekend. That storm is heading our way!!!
More snow? Yikes! I hope spring comes your way soon (along with that rhubarb). Your photos are luscious.
Sounds delicious, especially on the gray day we are having here today:) Have a Great Weekend!
Oh Smidge, oh Smidge. Those look exquisite. You put such an awful lot of work into every post – I’m really always very impressed.
We have neither strawberries nor rhubarb locally yet. I am sorry that you cannot yet make your glorious cake (you will), but the photo of the snow-covered tree is extra-gorgeous.
That is a very beautiful scene but I can imagine perhaps more beautiful if it had arrived in the right season! That is definitely not very spring looking. It’s always frustrating when you can’t cook what you want to cook because one ingredient is too difficult to source. But you have done well in coming up with not one but two replacements. I’m just waking up and those muffins would be wonderful right night. xx
Oh crumbs I can’t believe you have spring snow. I hope you find the elusive rhubarb soon. As always the recipes sound yummy and the photos are lovely. Happy Weekend
Those little muffins look like an absolute treat! Great improvising Smidge.
Good on ye Barbara, I can do with as many rhubarb recipes as possible. Can’t wait to try these!
Beautiful snow (though I must admit I’m glad it’s gone from here)!
Yum. Steusel crumbs make the muffin!
Just look at these mini decadent cakes that you have definitely teased us with lol. I mean tease because I can definitely eat a couple of these and have a huge smile on my face . Enjoy your weekend
Crumbs indeed! I have rhubarb available at home, but it will be a while before I get strawberries. I’ll choose the first recipe please, they looked so delicate and I love the pairing. Lets hope for a rapid thaw!
Yikes! SNOW!?!?! So sorry, Barb, to see that outside your door. The crumb cakes and muffins look oh, so very delicious. If only they were made of strawberry, raspberry, or cherry, i”d be so thrilled. But, crumby rhubarb? Not so much. That’s ok, though, I still very much enjoyed your post today, crumbs and all.
Oh, you take the most beautiful photo’s Smidge and everything looks so tasty and so delicious! Thanks for another awesome post hon!
Anything with a crumble topping is good as far as I am concerned and these recipes both look wonderful. But snow? I feel for you! Mind you, it does look beautiful…
Snow is beautiful but not at this time of the year. I haven’t seen rhubarb in the market either but using frozen seems to have worked great.
Good morning Smidge! Your snowfall is beautiful. Surprising though!
The email with this post came to me yesterday while we were in the parking lot of the grocery store. Talk about impeccable timing, right! You’re so good Hubby was SO excited to see rhubarb anything, that we wrote down the recipe for the muffins before we went inside. Nope, no rhubarb here either, so we bought the frozen kind. We are making rhubarb muffins this morning! Thank you so much for these Smidge! You’ve made Hubby so happy
Happy weekend!
I hope you like them.. the muffins were my favorite!!
Great photography this week!
Even the simplest dishes are works of art over here!
Hope that is the last of the snow for you out there in Calgary! All of your little strawberry rhubarb treats are sure to bring the nice weather. I’m going to have to make something with rhubarb very soon because I have a craving after reading this post. The hardest part will be deciding on just one of your recipes!
Not only do these look delicious but they are so adorable! What a lovely addition to a brunch or lunch. And a snack too. Actually if they were in my house I’d have one with each meal.
I just printed off both of these! Can’t wait to try them! I was SO SAD to discover today that some of my rhubarb got frosted to death – as did some of my asparagus – so terribly sad!!!!!!!! BUT…there is more on the way, so life isn’t all bad. Will make these when it’s ready!
I have to admit that I have never had rhubarb, but these, like everything else you post, makes it irresistible. Thanks for sharing again!
Oh look at that snow! Wow! I almost forgot what it looked like. These little muffins are just delightful and so full of wonderful spring flavors. Such a contrast to the snow – yet perfect!
Sounds like the snow really came as a surprise! I think “crumbs” is a good response to that…Spring delayed indeed! The recipes are just wonderfully crumby Perfect for any weather, and clever you for just getting in there with the frozen rhubarb. And I have to say that I haven’t used the word “transmogrified” in such a long time that I had to read the word twice! I simply forgot what a great word it is…you write beautifully–and with great taste! Debra
…. finished all of them in the plate…. How sad… I loved your decoration, there is always a wonderful romance… The colours are so beautiful… And sure so delicious too. And your beautiful poetical touches into the words complete and strike this post. Thank you dear Barbara, with my love, nia
I want to try all those baked treats!
I know the feeling, we suddenly got 10 cm of wet snow yesterday, Gone today… nice recipe.
You lucky lucky gal! I’ve made another rhubarb recipe last night.. with frozen.. I should book my flight.. it would probably be the first time anyone booked a flight to steal rhubarb, lol!!
Hahaha.. yes… picnics in Calgary usually involved some snow:) Even when hiking in the summer.. you can find some snow in the mountains to picnic on!! Lol!
Thanks!
It’s one of my favorite flavors.. made another dish with it last night!
I urge you to try.. I really love it, especially stewed as well…
It would be fun to go looking together!!
You should def give it a try, I love it!
Thanks so much my little Uru:)
I find it incredible reading all these blogs and reading about the “weather” everywhere.. it’s cool that you have rhubarb already!! You’re very lucky to have spring.. is it usually this early??
I had hoped it was a one day affair.. but.. it’s snowing this morning again:(
Gray here as well, time to get cooking and baking for me!!
Oh Frugal.. it’s snowing again!! And thank you so much for your compliments:)
Thanks, Sharyn.. it’s snowing again, so I think I’m just going to submit and go photograph some more snow shots today! Time to get out the mittens!
That’s so true.. we have so many new grocery and organic food stores opening up that there’s a bit of competition and we are starting to source better produce these days… but still no rhubarb!
Yes.. crumbs.. it’s snowing again right this very minute! I hope the rest of your weekend is awesome!
I think the more we improvise, the better we get at baking.. I know you’re a master at improvising!!
Well.. stay tuned, there’s more on the way!
You’re very lucky then! I love snow.. in the winter, not the spring!
So true.. I think streusel on any muffin is the best!
I’m smiling right now, can you guess why, lol?! I hope your weekend is awesome so far!
That’s what I thought.. rhubarb then strawberries.. but our stores have it the other way around…
Oh, dear.. then avert your eyes tomorrow, you may see a wee bit of rhubarb making another appearance (sadly, not fresh still, thought:) I’m averting my eyes from the snow right now!!
Thanks so much, Sonel:)
I agree.. I should just make the crumble and pick up a spoon, lol! It’s pretty, sigh, but I’m so tired of it!
That’s exactly it, Karen! I’ve found a good organic frozen bag of rhubarb so it’s worked out all right..
Thanks!!
I’ve always loved decorating:)
I’ll lend you a hand.. the muffins are a great breakfast recipe and the cake would be nice after dinner:) or lunch, well, or mid-morning, lol! I give up!
Hahaha and I have managed to do so:) Thanks so much!
Oh no!! You and c both had a late frost. I think that’s just so discouraging to lose those new sprouts, especially asparagus! I hope you like this recipe:) If not there’s one tomorrow I loved!!
Thank you, rhubarb is so delicious, I hope you try it one day!
I know!! I want to forget what it looks like, lol!! Thanks so much Kristy!
I love “transmogrified”.. I love lots of words, lol.. and it’s great to use them here:) Thanks so much for visiting, Debra!!
Thank you so much for your pretty words, nia, and I’m glad you’ve finished them for me:)
I’m glad to have a teenaged son to help out:)
I thought ours would be melted.. but it’s still snowing!! Why??!!
We are at least a month ahead this year and even the Wisteria blooming! I didn’t think it would survive here in CO let alone bloom!
Wow.. Wisteria!! I hope it all keeps on blooming for you!
I’ve not seen rhubarb in my local market before… I will definitely try your recipes out if I managed to find them! Yours look utterly delicious! I’ve nominated you an award, hope you’ll like it!
I will definitely have to!
How do you knock this stuff up so consistently well? It would take me weeks of desperate trial and error to get even one of your creations right!
To keep us grounded!
I stand corrected! I looked at the pics of us in England and darned if a rhubarb crumble wasn’t one of the little deserts we had! As I recall it was pretty tasty
I don’t believe it for a second:) it does seem like people either prefer or gravitate towards baking or cooking.. not often both? Thank you so much!
Hahaha.. it just snuck in there..
It is discouraging – as sad to see those poor drooping, sagging sprouts. But…at least it’s early enough that more should be coming along. I’m looking forward to your next recipe!
They both look so good, I wouldn’t even know which one to choose…so I guess that means both, right?
I love this! Spring will come, but enjoy that surprise bit of winter while you have it!
As always a beautifully put together post! I will have to make these for my hubby – the only rhubarb lover in our home.
Mandy
I choose it all Smidge, and all of it in my parka on your sunny snowy patio! Such is Spring! xoxo!
Oh we both did. What a wonderful fresh flavor! I’m addicted, and definitely in love with rhubarb now. I see why Hubby has been asking for me to try to cook with it now. Simply wonderful!
Oh my, those are some tasty crumbs! We had snow this weekend too–spring pause, we call it. Though the sun is out the air is still too chilly to soak your toes in. My motto: bake and freeze … because I will be in no mood to bake once the air is warm again. Sounds like you weathered the storm just fine–lovely recipes.
Xoxo that would be fun!! A parka party!! xoxo
Wow.. You’re husband’s converted?? That’s awesome!
I love your point of view.. So this is a Spring Pause and I shall take it as an opportunity to bake!! Thanks for this!!
Hi smidge, it’s quite rare for me to see recipes for a cake using confectioner sugar instead of just plain white sugar. Whats the difference? Can I substitute the sugar to confectioner sugar to most cake recipes? Thanx
My friend Paula will tell you to “Just step away from the buffet”. As luck would have it, there may still be some Rhubarb Compote in your fridge… which also means that there are now so many other ways to treat yourself without having to run 10km tomorrow. Rummage through your fridge for some…
so pretty and colorful
please stop by and say hi
xoxo
bB
http://www.itsybitsybrianna.wordpress.com
Sometimes I just want to be rude. There, I admitted it. Rude Barb. Just imagine letting all those nasty thoughts boil over and make a huge sticky mess. To Just Be Rude. But no, I’d better think twice about that one, simmer down and exercise a little self-control. So… instead I vent by making something…
Well done! I love it.
Kathi
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
This looks delicious! While I feel your pain when you discovered the cake wasn’t cooked through; it’s nice to know I’m not the only one these things happen to!
I’m glad that re-baking saved the day. I made a tangerine cake over the weekend (aka “Scary Cake”) on someone’s request: it rose beautifully and then fell like a fallen souffle. I called it tangerine pudding and served it with a spoon.
I’ve sooooo been there too. The important thing is that the concert went off without a hitch! Congrats Barb. So pleased your bestest cousin popped by for a visit on your special weekend.
Looks totally nummy and congrats on such a special weekend
Congratulations on your successful concert and suprise guests! What a wonderful weekend! (And so glad your coffee cake was saved – that would’ve been a tragedy had it not been!) (Again, a little crazy with tthe exclamation points.
Congratulations on the success of your weekend Smidge!
Your berry desserts are always so wonderfully done. And I bet you were the only one that noticed you missing a beat.
and you are my shining star cuz! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Brava! What a fantastic weekend you had! How wonderful that your cousin came to see your performance. Truly, that something only one’s “Firstest and Bestest cousin” would do. Congratulations on your performance, Barb, and I hope you two cousins don’t have to wait so long before your next visit.
Congratulations on the concert! The coffee cake looks UH-MAZING despite the troubles it caused you – I am a total sucker for rhubarb and crumbs
Well done on a successful concert and I’m really happy for you that you got to see someone you love so much. Good thing the cake finished baking
I’m so pleased the concert went well. Where is the audio for this post??? And how fabulous that your cousin drove to Calgary to be with you. What a wonderful weekend you must have had. Love the gorgeous photo! And the cake looks fabulous. I’d never known it was ‘twice cooked’ – a bit like the confit duck I just posted! xx
This looks fantastic! I am glad your concert went well.
Have you ever tried oatmeal instead of cornstarch? I added it to my last rhubarb pie and it turned out great!
Congratulations on your concert, Smidge! And what joy to share the weekend with your dear cousin. Such treasure to have each other in your corners. That crumb cake is making my mouth water. That and a glass of milk would be just the thing to put me to bed right now. And get me out of bed in the morning.
Your coffee cake looks totally delicious and delicate. You are the queen of desserts!
Congra
Sorry about my spastic computer – what I was saying was congrats on such a successful concert
I am so glad your favourite cousin could be there as well!
As for this cake – when god gives fresh rhubarb you cannot ignore it
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
My goodness baking and a concert. So so pleased it all went beautifully. Oh and I love the name of the is “Big Crumb”, I can assure you big or otherwise there would be no crumbs left on my plate
Congratulations on a great concert – bet you were the only one who noticed the missed beat. How special to see your cousin and well done on getting the cake/crumble baked.
Mandy
So pleased for you Smidge, what a lovely weekend, near-cake-disaster and all!
RHUBARB – wonderful ….. when my mum was pregnant with me was she craving for raw rhubarbs – so I think I got my addiction from there. Wonderful photos. Glad that the concert went well and you got nice surprises. A great weekend is never wrong.
What an amazing week you´ve had – so glad they everything turned out fine int he end (the music, the visit, the crumble!). And save me some of that crumble topping – I don´t mind whatever is underneath but I adore the topping!
I am so glad the concert went off well hon. Stunning shots as usual and now I am hungry again. Shame on you! LOL! One of these days you will find me on your doorstep, screaming : “Feed me, Feed me!” Whahahahaha!
*big hugs*
sounds like quite a tumultuous time…good to know you can stick something back in the oven after freezing it…and refreshing to hear how good cooks recover from disasters…:)
That looks delicious, and you made it work in the end! Which I think always gives you an extra sense of accomplishment, even after a few stressful moments in the kitchen
. It does look pretty ‘cakey’ though so something that would take a while to bake through!
I never met a big crumb I didn’t love!
So pleased for you that your concert went so well and for the reunion with your cousin! I have family like that, it takes me back to precious memories when we are together.
Your RHUBARB “BIG CRUMB” COFFEE CAKE looks delightful, amazing that it finished baking, that is a rare thing. Crumb topping freezes well, now all you have to do is plan how to use it — shucks, right?! 
Oh, noooo, once again I didn’t catch your concert on time!!!!!
doesn’t look at the camera…
Is there any left?
Congratulations dear Barbara… I really wished to be there and to watch and to listen to this concert… Maybe someone loaded to Youtube, please let me know…
How nice meeting with your cousin and her husband… I can imagine how great for you all… I loved this little Barbara, she seems so lovely and so busy…
And my amazing friend, what a delicious recipe again… I want to taste it now…
Thank you, have a nice and enjoyable day,
with my love, nia
What a wonderful surprise that your cousin drove all the way just to see you! And that your concert went off without a hitch is great news, even though there was a teeny tiny little blip in the rehearsal…but as you said, that is just what rehearsals are for.
Well, even though it was raw in the centre, the final outcome looked amazing and probably much appreciated, after all. And with the weather you’ve been having in Calgary, it was probably fantastic right out of the oven, hot and steamy!
I’m so glad to hear that your concert went off without a hitch, Smidge, and you’re right, the purpose of rehearsals! And I am very close to my three cousins–the two “boys” are probably closer to my brother, and my one female cousin and I were practically raised like sisters. I love her to bits! And she’s my cheerleader, as I hope I am hers. So I’m so glad you had their interest and support and love for your big event. Wonderful! And my dad has been ill and would enjoy this recipe immensely. I now that rhubarb pie is one of his favorites, so this is way beyond that in my mind! He loves rhubarb, and I love anything that has “big crumb” in the title! I’m clearly going to print this one out! Maybe make it for him this weekend.
Debra
Yay for concerts without glitches! Bravo, Smidge! I wish I could have seen and heard it.
Your poem is sooooo dramatic and wonderful. I just love it. I could feel my heart race a little while I was reading it. In a good way of course. I relate to what you wrote about I guess, and it brings back memories. So happy your concert was a success!
Oh dear, I’m gonna have to hide Hubby from this post until the weekend somehow. One look at the Rhubarb Coffee Cake and he’ll want it pronto. I have to get a few things done before then though. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos and the recipe. The picture of the “mini” you and your family is adorable!
Have a great week Smidge!
Cooked or not cooked… I probably still would have stuffed my face. It looks delicious!
Delicious, Smidge! I keep crumb topping in the freezer – makes it easy to pull out an instant dessert. And I’m so pleased to hear the concert went well! As an orchestra mum (Big Boy plays French horn and Small Man plays the trumpet), I understand (vicariously, of course) all the build up that goes into the big performances. Enjoy having your family there!
xx
PS. Clever lady, how did you get your system to default so that “notify me of comments” box isn’t automatically checked? Yours is the only blog I visit that seems to have managed to do so!
So glad the concert went well (I had no doubts) and what a wonderful surprise to have a visit from your cousin! It sounds like a great weekend. This rhubarb cake looks divine!
Congrats! You deserve all the best!
You are a STAR!!! hope you had tons of fun! because you are such a talented woman and a good cook to boot> I BET there are not many musicians who are also great cooks! Bet you! c
All’s well that ends well, including your crumb, which judging from the picture, I would have never guessed had a problem! Glad your weekend was a good one!
Hahaha.. Yes.. You’re not the only one:) My mom was the smart one, I would have chucked it out!!
Sharyn.. That’s the smartest thing I’ve heard yet.. Just renaming it and serving it up saves the day. Although I’m not sure anyone would eat raw cake dough. Will you be posting your Scary Cake? Look forward to it!
Thanks, Barb!
Thank you:D
Thanks, Carolyn!!
Hahaha.. I think the conductor sure did:) But that’s life!!
Thanks so much, John! It definitely won’t take as long this time.. It was just the best to see her!! They recorded and videotaped.. So I’ll likely post the performance… The one where I didn’t mess up:D
Thanks, Tandy! I was so thrilled to see my cousin…
Well.. It’s on it’s way! The recording has my “missing pages” errors on it.. But the video of the actual concert should be good.. I’ll be posting when we get our copies:) It should be hilarious seeing myself play!! Yes.. I should have named it Twice-Cooked Cake!! Or Too-Baked Cake, lol!
No!!! But I’m def going to next time! I love oatmeal, plus it’s healthier and it makes sense that it would pull things together better!! Thanks, Susie!!
It sure was.. She left me a little inspirational voicemail..I’m sure that helped!
Thanks, Misk.. I love baking:)
Hahaha.. No prob.. I knew what you meant, but I thought it was the cool, young hip way to say congrats, lol!
Yes… Picking up crumbs as I type…:D
I certainly hope so. Def the conductor did.. But if I was quiet enough, you couldn’t hear the pages madly turning when I looked for my spot!!
Yes!! Never give up, eh??
True.. I suspect it’s just crumble topping with a little cake as a means of conveyance!
Thanks, Viveka.. I love rhubarb as well!
Sonel.. You make me laugh.. That’s all I can say!!
It’s weird how that worked. I would have thought the ingredients to make it rise wouldn’t “activate”.. But that would be a scientific question…
Hahaha.. Me neither.. Well, maybe:)
Hahaha.. That’s right.. I’m thinking about cupcakes.. Even french toast:D
No worries nia.. They videotaped it, so I’ll post it for you.. Or a portion of it anyway:) It was the best concert ever, nia.. I loved ever minute, even though I was nervous. And I’m learning to get over disappointment like with the cake.. And not be upset that it wasn’t “perfect”… Xo Smidge
You’re right, Eva.. It was great out of the oven. I wanted to give some away since we had so much, but my son wouldn’t let me.. He loves this cake:) Our weather has finally turned.. Sunny for two whole days!! Yay!!
I hope he likes it Debra.. Check out Smitten Kitchen for extra photos of the different steps? I think it’s great that you would bake that for your Dad. I hope he feels better soon?! You got me thinking.. Because I was an only girl, having a female cousin was absolutely like having a sister:) xo Smidge
Hahaha, thanks, Sarah!! Believe me, my heart was racing and not in a good way. I felt sick after the recording/rehearsal.. But that actually motivated me to prove I could do it the next day… So all went well! I look forward to seeing what you have baking in your kitchen!! Xo Smidge
Hahaha.. We sorta did.. Munching on the edges before we baked it again:D
Well.. You’re right about the build up. There’s an incredible amount of time that goes into practicing for these events! You know, I’ve discovered if I’ve unclicked a blog’s “notify me of comments” box… It stays unclicked forever after!! So you must have “unclicked” me already!! Xo Smidge
Thanks!
celi.. You make me feel like a star!!! Thanks for your kind words and support!! I bet you’re right;) xo Smidge
Now that’s a line I should have used.. Yes, all’s well that ends well.. But we have a performance in Medicine Hat at the end of the month.. So the practicing continues;)
“Scary Cake” made its debut some time ago. You probably read it at the time. I think it was in January or February.
hehehehe…good!
*hugs*
I look forward to seeing them. I bet you were wonderful!
Very pleased for you that the concert went off without a hitch – well done. Waving from Ireland and *applauding loudly*.
Dear Barbara, you are so nice. Thank you for your nice words on my emotional poem post. I can’t find a word to express how you made me happy… But you don’t know anything behind these poetical words…Not as you supposed… so tragic and unbelievable… I had a mother but also I hadn’t… Maybe in my poem I wrote to a mother in my dreams… My real Mom never wanted me and loved me. Can you imagine how hit me in times… Sorry for dropping here, but I wanted to share with you, how I wished all your words would be as you felt or thought… You are so nice and I love you dear Barbara, with you creative works, recipes, and with your music that even I haven’t heard it yet,
but more than all, with your beautiful heart… Blessing and Happiness, with my love, nia
Beautiful post! One of your all-time best!
This LOOKS fabulous Barb. I am so glad it eventually worked out for you. Personally, I don’t believe the cake flour had anything to do with it. Not sure if freezing it did thought. Hmmmm. So sweet of your hubby to come to your rescue.
The poem is just beautiful as usual. Your talent in so many arenas just astounds me. What an amazing woman you are!
Congratulations – sound like you have been having a wonderful time! I have sometimes done the Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall thing with crumble mix where he spreads it out on a tray and bakes it, tossing and turning it a couple of times while it browns and crisps. Then he puts it in a tub in the fridge and uses it through the week on other desserts, yoghurt etc. Worked for me
Hahaha.. I can hear you clapping all the way here!!
Your mom must have had so many problems.. And perhaps this has somehow made you the more loving one:) No one has a bigger heart than you, nia…xoxo Barb
Hey thanks.. You should see what I’ve got tomorrow, lol:)
It’s good to get your input.. Then it just must not have been cooked through when I took it out..
Thanks so much, Geni!! xoxo
Oh.. Now that’s the plan.. Yogurt and crumble for breakfast:)
Thank you dear Barbara, my grandmother always found me incredible in this family… I was almost different. But as you said the God wanted me to be like that maybe… Means a lot your words to me dearest. Love, nia
So glad you had a nice surprise, Smidge. What a wonderful reunion.
That crumble looks wonderful…
What a grand cake. Rhubarb has just hit the shelves of our farm stands so your recipe comes at a great time and will shortly be moving from your kitchen to mine. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary.
Your crumble looks delicious.
Awwww!! I love you <3
Thanks Korena.. it was a lot of fun…
You’re right.. I guess I thought it was cooked but didn’t give it enough time to set!
Thanks Kristy! It was so fun!!
Thanks, Kate! It was so fantastic to see Marilee and George!
It’s so awesome to go to the market and see new produce, isn’t it!?
Thanks!
Congratulations on the concert! Were you nervous? Maybe it helped having some special loved ones join you on your event. If you would not have mentioned us that your crumble with a little less cooked no one would have even noticed. Just tell them you planned it that way so that it was hot out of the oven…
Having my family and friends there made all the difference for sure!
I’d love to see you in concernt Smidge! If I could wish for a talent it would be to play an instrument well. My lack luster attempts at the guitar and piano never quite caught on. Haha!
The crumble looks mouth watering delicious and I agree with Rufus, your berry desserts are so wonderfully done, as is everything you post! Delicious wishes for a beautiful week.