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Rhubarb and Berry Nectar With Mint

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4 to 6
  • •BASIC-EASY
  • •FAST

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  1. 1/2 bunch fresh peppermint (about 1 cup loosely packed leaves)
  2. 1 pound rhubarb stalks (all leaves removed and discarded), cut into 2-inch pieces
  3. 1/2 cup red wine (Beaujolais or Syrah are good choices)
  4. 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  5. 6 ounces strawberry jam
  6. 2 tablespoons sugar
  7. 6 ounces blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries, washed and hulled
  8. 1/2 cup sour cream
  9. 4 to 6 slices brioche or pound cake, or 8 to 12 cookies
  1. Remove the stem tips with a few leaves attached from 4 to 6 of the mint sprigs, and set them aside for use as a decoration. Gather the remaining sprigs of mint into a bundle, and tie them together with kitchen twine. Place the mint in a saucepan (preferably stainless steel), and add all the remaining ingredients except the berries, sour cream, and pound cake.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 8 minutes. Add the berries, bring back to a boil, and cook, covered, for 2 minutes. The mixture should be somewhat soupy. Cool, cover, and refrigerate until serving time.
  3. For each serving, arrange about 1 cup of the rhubarb and berry mixture in a deep plate. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of sour cream in the middle. Top with one of the reserved mint sprig tips. Serve with a slice of brioche or pound cake or a few cookies.