Summer is sweetened by its abundance of fruit, which naturally plays a major role in the delectable desserts of the season (and beyond, thanks to preservation technology).
Forget reservations about dessert. Think of it not as indulgence, but as a celebration of nature’s bounty, and get a bunch of family or friends to enjoy it along with you.
This recipe blends rosy-colored fruit, cranberries and rhubarb, provides for a sweet crunchy topping, and adds another layer of flavor and texture with a tangy marmalade cream. There should be something for all tastes in there.
Cranberry and Rhubarb Crisp With Marmalade Cream
(Preparation and cooking time about 50 minutes)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup low-fat graham crackers, crushed
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup diced toasted hazelnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 pounds rhubarb, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces (see note)
10-ounce bag cranberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
1/4 cup orange marmalade
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Mix rolled oats, graham crackers, 1/3 cup brown sugar and hazelnuts in medium bowl. Add vanilla to melted butter and stir into oat mixture until blended; set aside.
Place rhubarb, cranberries and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a large saucepan. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes until cranberries burst. Remove from heat and stir in orange peel. Pour into 9-inch pan. Sprinkle oat mixture over top.
Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes, or until rhubarb is soft and topping is browned.
Meanwhile, whisk cream and marmalade together in chilled medium bowl until soft peaks form. Serve with crisp.
Makes 9 servings.
Nutrition information per serving: 360 cal., 4 g pro., 48 g carbo., 4 g fiber, 19 g total fat (10 g saturated) 50 mg chol., 160 mg sodium.
Note: The recipe works well with either fresh or frozen fruit.
Fresh rhubarb is in season early summer; frozen rhubarb is available if you make this recipe in the fall – when fresh cranberries are in season.
