Founder Files: Our Finest Rhubarb Recipes, a Spring Veg Prep Trick & Diner Lingo

Above was my Mother’s Day dinner—roasted salmon over greens, potatoes and asparagus, followed by a rhubarb, strawberry, and mint cake. Note the asparagus without any frippery! Simply steam it and top it with butter and coarse salt. We trade in asparagus techniques here at Food52, but don’t forget to eat them straight now and then, with your fingers, spear by spear.

We have an unusually deep database of great rhubarb recipes, so I’m here to direct you to some of our finest, most of which came from community members (you can upload your own great recipe here).

Rhubarb Cordial– This is an easy, non-jam way to preserve rhubarb. You can use a jar. I favor this glass pitcher, which I also use for water and for cold brew (I like the pitcher so much, I have two!).

Naughty Rhubarb Scones – Midge was an early community member and her scones have been popular for years.

Matcha Rhubarb Loaf Cake – This is for all you matcha fiends! We’re really into this recycled clay bakeware, in case you need a loaf pan.

Straight-Up Rhubarb Pie – This excellent recipe (it’s the only rhubarb pie I make) comes from Humble Pie by Anne Dimock.

Let’s talk pie plates. For spring and early summer pies, I favor a low-shouldered pie dish, which doesn't require a lot of filling (remember that rhubarb and berries collapse when cooked). This kind of dish gives you a nice perimeter shelf on which to build a crimped edge. I recommend this one by ceramicist Outi Putkonen with its tawny 1970s glaze.

I write this knowing that I’m inviting a pummeling of commentary, but for those of you who share my sometimes lazy cooking inclinations, here goes: When I don’t feel like dirtying a cutting board, I use scissors. Need to add some sliced asparagus or green beans to a salad? Scissors. Want thinly sliced basil over your pasta? Scissors. Cutting some bacon? Scissors.

Here are some that’ll do the trick.

When Darcy Miller, the illustrator, stylist, and celebration expert, visits Food52, we do it up. A board filled with pastries, good coffee, and a pretty tableware spread isn’t hard to pull together and it really says "Welcome!" If you’re looking for table inspiration, keep an eye out for Table Escape on our socials.

In a recent video I shot with Ali Cayne, founder of Haven’s Kitchen, she taught me some vernacular used by short-order cooks. You may want to lowkey drop these when having friends for brunch.

“English muffin down” means really crispy, done on a griddle. “Down hard” means crispy and dark. “Whiskey down” means rye toasted on the griddle.

Allison spoke to Erica Wides (aka @thechefsmartypants) about how to keep veggies fresh for longer. Her rec? Blanch greens such as broccoli before stashing them in your produce drawer.

Nea shared one more way to celebrate our favorite vegetable masquerading as a fruit: a waffle cake with a rhubarb compote.

César showed us how he makes his Arroz con Pollo, including handy produce substitutions if you can’t find culantro or ají dulce peppers.

For a little home-design eye candy, check out Kohler’s new heritage line of green bathroom sinks, tubs, and toilets—all stylishly shot at L.A.'s Flamingo Estate, a self-described “lush orchard and pleasure garden.” Enjoy!

Amanda

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