I stared at the rhubarb stalks multiplying like bunnies in the garden, telling myself I’d get to them soon. One day bled into the next, until finally I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer. Suddenly my simple quest to start using my rhubarb bounty became a mini episode of the Great British Bake Off.
First thing I decided was to make a compote, and added in a few store-bought strawberries I purchased earlier in the week. It would’ve been perfectly reasonable to just spoon the compote over yogurt and call it a day, but I started thinking about angel food cake.
I’d just made one earlier in the week for Isabella’s 23rd birthday, and the one slice I had left me hankering for more. Knowing I’d have a bunch of egg yolks leftover from making an angel food cake, the next logical step was to also make some curd, a double bonus because I needed to use up some of the clementines on the counter.
This cascading effect often happens when I go into the kitchen. Usually I find myself muttering, “Jennifer, what is wrong with you?” Truth is this frenzy of baking is exactly what I needed after a long week that depleted my emotional and mental reserves. Expending that energy in the kitchen actually replenished all of my internal energies.
It sounds like a lot of time went into it all but in reality it was only about 30 minutes of prep thanks to a very well-stocked pantry and kitchen. Modern day appliances did most of the heavy lifting. I used the air-fryer to make the compote while the angel food cake baked in the oven. The microwave is my secret weapon for quick and easy homemade curd.
The upside to this ripple effect set off by my quest to use up the rhubarb is that now the fridge is stocked with a delicious compote and curd, and once the angel food cake is finished, I’ll undoubtedly use it in my morning yogurt.
The curd is also lovely to use on scones, and I’ll admit to even slathering some on a toasted baguette. If you don’t have clementines, oranges are fine to swap in. Don’t skip the lemon, though, since the curd needs that sharp kick to brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness of the clementine/orange juice.
Stay tuned for the strawberry rhubarb compote & angel food recipes coming next week to enjoy in time for any Memorial Day weekend. Until then, be well, and remember to be kind. —xo, j.