I have chosen a smaller stalk that grows in so many backyards, and yields such sweet reward. My friend Daily Spud shows off her garden yield and shares with me. Think of it as a mini tree for the wee creatures and fairies that roam the low ground...
I can't help but to tell you to pour your self a cold glass of Porter or pint of Guinness and sit down, because the Irish in me is taking over...
Back in Ireland, the spring of my youth, on the cusps of beautiful April. I met this nice lad, a bit young for me, but he had good intentions. I was never to pass up a good social. His friends arranged to meet at a pot luck with good food and a local band at play.
Most of the night he informed his friends how beautiful and enchanting I was. True love had entered his door, and lonely he would be no more! He also brought me a wee rhubarb pie, for which- I had never tasted. When he had learned I was visiting, he says, he made it himself, a welcoming gift, and just for me!
Never having had rhubarb, with all the thought put into it, I did wonder "had he grown it himself"? I figured it was special and had magical ingredients. We cut the pie and spread its blessings around the room. The night continued on as the lad only had eyes for me, so I gave him a good deal of attention in return.
As the night rang on, the more the drinks flowed, stories, truth be told, and THAT is when I discovered there was no magic in that pie, except upon the tongue. His friends made sure I knew the whole story of ruby rhubarb love intentions.
For the lad had lied and brought me a pie made by another women, one for whom he had no feelings at all. Then I slammed my pint down, threw back my chair, downed my whiskey, and informed him I had eyes for another!
I have been in love with rhubarb ever since...
Yes, tis a true story... ~ Chef E
