Wow, rhubarb and crab apples, how symmetrical! I’ve always thought of rhubarb as evoking an apple-y aroma, and crab apples have that astringency so characteristic of rhubarb. I wonder what about shoulder seasons creates such pungent fruits? Something about making sweetness with limited resources, operating in less-than-optimal conditions, with more-than-optimal uncertainty. How romantic!
May I request a recipe from the penpals that has both rhubarb and crab apples? Preserving does have that lovely effect of suspending time…
Hi Sam! We didn't think through but clearly *felt* that symmetry, Julia and me. And of course you're right, the two are perfect companions, speaking to each other from across the globe and the seasons. A crabapple-rhubarb compote would be delish but both are so intensely seasonal. Bringing them together would be the challenge, stuffing them into envelopes...
It’s interesting that without any real planning into the fruits we chose to write about, that there is an inherent synergy! I love the idea of making something with both, although the seasons don’t quite align - but there are always apple and a rhubarb and apple jam would be fabulous.
Rhubarb is one of my favorites, but unfortunately rhubarb season is short. I loved that you developed a recipe that celebrates rhubarb with wonderful ingredients and flavors.
Oh my goodness, I loved sending and receiving pen pal letters. I remember spraying mine with perfume (likely to be Dewberry from the bodyshop) and wondering what delights would be sent back!
Wow, rhubarb and crab apples, how symmetrical! I’ve always thought of rhubarb as evoking an apple-y aroma, and crab apples have that astringency so characteristic of rhubarb. I wonder what about shoulder seasons creates such pungent fruits? Something about making sweetness with limited resources, operating in less-than-optimal conditions, with more-than-optimal uncertainty. How romantic!
May I request a recipe from the penpals that has both rhubarb and crab apples? Preserving does have that lovely effect of suspending time…
Hi Sam! We didn't think through but clearly *felt* that symmetry, Julia and me. And of course you're right, the two are perfect companions, speaking to each other from across the globe and the seasons. A crabapple-rhubarb compote would be delish but both are so intensely seasonal. Bringing them together would be the challenge, stuffing them into envelopes...
It’s interesting that without any real planning into the fruits we chose to write about, that there is an inherent synergy! I love the idea of making something with both, although the seasons don’t quite align - but there are always apple and a rhubarb and apple jam would be fabulous.
Rhubarb is one of my favorites, but unfortunately rhubarb season is short. I loved that you developed a recipe that celebrates rhubarb with wonderful ingredients and flavors.
Oh my goodness, I loved sending and receiving pen pal letters. I remember spraying mine with perfume (likely to be Dewberry from the bodyshop) and wondering what delights would be sent back!
Perfume, yes! OMG
I bought my kids perfumed writing paper for Christmas to keep the tradition alive. Costs a fortune in stamps mind!
So great to have that *real* writing experience. Physical and tactile.
Stickers from penpals were always way more exciting than the ones you could find at home!
Oh yes, you’re so right! Might need to get myself a pen pal now!
I love that neon pink rhubarb - it looks like spring, and the cake looks delicious!