Healthy Stuff, Cooking

Rhubarb is a favorite food of mine but now it's finding mainstream fans. Blood oranges seem to be the kiwi of the 21st Century. Together, they are a perfect union. This is a new spin on something old but ambrosial: stewed rhubarb of oven compote. Rhubarb marries well with sweet blood oranges (who also do their best to tint the rhubarb a deep rose colour). A touch of brown and white sugar and pomegranate molasses (honey is a fine substitute) make this rustic and sophisticated all at once. Serve over ice-cream, pound cake, with scones, or on with yogurt or Scottish oatmeal for a sweet, tart banquet. I tend to slice two of the blood oranges called for and grind up the last one but just slicing all three is fine.

Aside from the inspired fruit medley, there is one other trick in this rosy, delicious rendition of baked apples. It’s sweet kosher wine (but you can also use black cherry soda). It makes the whole thing a baked apple extravaganza. Serve these in the prettiest crystal dessert dishes you can fine or white ceramic ramekins. Good warm or cold; sometimes simplicity, especially in a new year, is best.

I fell in love with www.Terrachips over the holidays. These are fried, thin chips of sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, yaro and beets.  It’s easy to make your own at home but slow baked, not fried. Much less fat.Tossed with some sea salt and vegetable oil, they are addictive.

Jarred pesto is the basis of this zesty dressing.