I've always had a fruit crisp on my dessert menu at The Plaza Café, which varies depending on the season. Since local strawberries are currently in season, I thought this was an appropriate fruit crisp to feature now. I've had this particular item on our menu for the past few summer seasons, and it's a great treat! Enjoy!
Yield: approx. 20
Strawberries, quartered - 2 quarts
Rhubarb, 1" dice - 2 pounds
Lemon juice - 1 T
Sugar - 1 C
Cornstarch - 3 T
Cinnamon - 1tsp.
1. Marinate strawberries and rhubarb separately with sugar and lemon.
2. Add cornstarch and cinnamon.
3. Portion in ramekins, top with Amaretti crumb topping and bake at 350 until golden.
AMARETTI CRUMB TOPPING
Butter - 1 C
Flour - 1 C
Sugar - ½ C
Almonds, tst. - 1 C
Amaretti cookies - 3 1/3 C
1. Combine butter, flour and sugar in mixer with paddle attachment.
2. Add almonds and amaretti.
And now for Christopher's Perfect Pairings
Well, I'm not one to order dessert most of the time, but this one sounds too good to resist. The combination of sweetness from the strawberries and tartness from the rhubarb complemented by the mouth feel of the amaretti crumb topping sounds absolutely divine. I would most certainly pair this with a Port, but you could also try a late harvest wine or even Sauternes. Here are my suggestions. Bon Appetit!
1994 CROFT VINTAGE PORT $64.99 - 96 WS
"The essence of grapes. Full-bodied and tannic, yet very classy and refined. It's got grip, but rather than smashing you over the head with structure, it seduces gently with its wonderful, well-toned muscles. Best Croft since '45. Best after 2010. 3,500 cases made." ~ Wine Spectator
1994 DOW VINTAGE PORT $72.95 - 97 RP
"Deep garnet colour. The nose is just beginning to evolve into musky, dried plum and raisin aromas with whiffs of tree bark, nutmeg, cumin and cloves. The palate is seriously big and voluptuous with medium to high acidity and a medium to firm level of fine tannins. Very long finish." ~ Robert Parker
1985 GRAHAM VINTAGE PORT $99.95 - 96 RP
"Graham is the undisputed star and kingpin of the 1985 vintage ports. Yes, it is made in a sweeter style than the other ports, but it is a fabulous wine because of a dazzling level of black-cherry fruit, an enormous structure, and staggering depth, dimension, and length. It is forward, as are all 1985s?" ~ Robert Parker