A sure way to welcome the bounty of spring is using the early rhubarb and strawberries in a delicious compote flavored with rich vanilla. This compote is the perfect topping for breakfast on top of pancakes, french toast or Greek yogurt or use the compote to complete desserts such as cake , ice cream or pudding.  I find the best match to this compote is this old fashion buttermilk pudding. The buttermilk pudding is slightly tart, creamy, smooth and rich. It’s the perfect balance to the tart and sweet compote.  You can also enjoy this pudding on its own or just topped with fresh berries.

From by the bay, wishing you creamy buttermilk food memories!

Maryann

Buttermilk Pudding with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

Serves 4 to 6

Serve the buttermilk pudding and top with the Strawberry Rhubarb Compote.  Recipes follow.

Buttermilk Pudding

Ingredients
1 1/4-ounce envelope unflavored gelatin

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 cup sugar

2 cups buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

canola oil for the ramekins
Directions
Combine the gelatin with 1/4 cup water in a small bowl or measuring cup and let stand for 3 minutes. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of the cream and the sugar. Cook, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin.
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, vanilla, and the remaining cream. Stir in the warm cream mixture.
Lightly oil six 6-ounce ramekins. Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins. Refrigerate, covered, 3 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert onto plates.
Darienne Sutton
August 2007 in Real Simple

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

 Ingredients

1 ¼ cups juice and/or water
½ cup  sugar
1/4 cup  agave nectar
1-pounds rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1/4 –inch wide pieces
1 pound (450 g) strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 teaspoon vanilla and optional 1 teaspoon framboise

Directions
In a large, nonreactive saucepan, heat the water, juice, ginger, sugar, and agave. When all the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is simmering, add the rhubarb and let the rhubarb cook in the simmering syrup until it’s just softened, which may take as little as 5 minutes, depending on the rhubarb. Add the strawberries and  simmer another five minutes. Remove from heat and add the vanilla and  the framboise, if using. Cool and refrigerate until ready to use. Serve warm or room temperature.