Rhubarb and Berry Nectar With Mint

Plus: More Dessert Recipes and Tips

Yield:
4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 bunch fresh peppermint (about 1 cup loosely packed leaves)

  • 1 pound rhubarb stalks (all leaves removed and discarded), cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 1/2 cup red wine (Beaujolais or Syrah are good choices)

  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice

  • 6 ounces strawberry jam

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 6 ounces blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries, washed and hulled

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 4 to 6 slices brioche or pound cake, or 8 to 12 cookies

Directions

  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.

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