Late spring brings rhubarb stalks to the markets, and fresh, ripe strawberries signal that summer’s on its way. Just at the crossover of the two seasons there’s a brief opportunity to combine those sweet berries and tart stalks into delicious and memorable desserts. If you are looking for a true culinary revelation, this combination can yield sensational results — just in time for holiday picnics! (If rhubarb isn’t available by the time strawberries arrive in your part of the country, know that rhubarb freezes really well.)
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam (Erdbeer-Rhabarber-Konfitüre)
This jam enjoys great popularity at breakfast tables in Germany and is a must have at every spring brunch.
Strawberry Crepes (Erdbeer-Crêpes)
These thin pancakes with their fresh fruity filling just might become your new brunch favorite.
Strawberry Trifle (Erdbeer-Rhabarber-Trifle)
As pretty as it is delicious, this trifle perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors.
Rhubarb Sheet Cake (Rhabarberschnitten)
Rhubarb sheet cakes are a spring favorite in Germany. This fast and easy recipe is also great if you are not very familiar with rhubarb as an ingredient yet. Sweet raisins balance the tart taste of the stalks
Strawberry Tartlets (Erdbeer-Törtchen)
As delicious as it gets! The slightly tart crème fraîche perfectly complements the fresh sweet strawberries.
Rhubarb Creme Meringues (Baisers mit Rhabarbersahne)
These stunning meringues are heavenly spring treats and perfectly combine sweet and tart flavors.
Semolina Waffles with Strawberries & Cream (Grießwaffeln mit Erdbeeren & Sahne)
The ingredient known as “Grieß” in German can be substituted by either semolina (available at well-stocked gourmet stores) or the readily available cream of wheat. Semolina is made from a harder wheat grain and will give this dish a nice grainy texture, whereas cream of wheat will blend into the waffle batter.
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