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Saturday, June 06, 2009

Strawberry and Rhubarb Betty

The Altitude Adjustment Section
Let's get old fashioned, shall we? This is a recipe for a dessert called a Betty -- ever hear of Apple Brown Betty? A Betty is a thrifty dessert made with fresh ripe fruit and sweetened, usually old and stale, buttered breadcrumbs or cubes. It is thought to date back to Colonial times. It is usually served with a lemon sauce or whipped cream. The most familiar version is the Apple Brown Betty, made with sliced apples and brown sugar. So why not make one with strawberries and rhubarb?

3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 cups sliced fresh rhubarb, cut into thin slices
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups bread cubes-Brioche, challah, or whole-wheat bread, you choose
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the berries and the rhubarb. Gently toss together and let sit till the mixture starts to get juicy. To make the topping, put bread cubes in a big bowl and drizzle with the melted butter and toss till well coated. You can add a bit more butter if you think it's necessary. Transfer half the buttered bread cubes to an ungreased 1 1/2 quart glass casserole dish. Pour fruit mixture over the top and then add the remaining bread cubes over the fruit. Bake in a 375 oven for 25-30 minutes or until fruit feels tender and juices are bubbling and bread is golden brown on top. Serve warm with whipped cream, custard or ice cream. So many yummy options — so little time!