This year the 4th of July seems a little sweeter. Since the COVID 19 vaccine roll out, a lot more people have received their vaccines and are able to spend time with their loved ones. Thankfully, my family is in that camp. We could not be more happy to spend time with our families this year. Coming off of two whirlwind trips to both Minnesota and San Diego we are so grateful for our health and mobility. It had been over 2 years since I’d been home (MN) and most of my family had not yet met my daughter Farah as the newest edition to the family.
For the 4th of July this year we decided to keep it small. I suppose that is how 1 pandemic and 2 little kids changes you over time. We’ve done everything from going up north to having a staycation to staying in and ordering takeout (no judgement here!). I think you can celebrate this holiday with a certain tradition or choose to completely outsource the day. Whatever your choice, one of the simplest ways to celebrate the 4th of July simply & fully is by indulging in rhubarb compote. All the deliciousness of a pie or crisp, but done in half the time and ten times more versatile. Over ice cream is my favorite.
Rhubarb Compote
1 pound Fresh rhubarb
¾ C sugar
2 T salted butter. (if unsalted, add pinch of regular table salt)
2 T orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand marinier)
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
First things first, pour yourself a shot of orange liquor to sip as you go.
Rhubarb should be brightly colored pink. Rinse, pat dry and chop rhubarb into 1 inch chunks. Place in a bowl and coat generously with sugar and cinnamon mixture tossing with fingers. Place the butter in saucepan on medium heat and slightly melt. Add rhubarb, sugar, Cointreau and cook for 10-15 minutes. The structure of the rhubarb will break down leaving a nice thickened mixture. Enjoy warm or cold-keeps in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Top your toast, ice cream or just eat right out of the jar. It’s that good.
I’m sure there are more ways to indulge. The more creative, the better. I would love to hear what you are doing for the 4th of July or how you celebrate certain traditions. Leave me a comment of how you celebrate this special summer holiday!
