Country Living & Rhubarb

Ever since I was a young child I dreamed of living on a farm.  If that dream ever could have come true, the farm image below is exactly what I would have pictured.  Even though I don't live on a farm, I am quite happy just living in the country out by some of the local farms.

One of the best features of living in the country is all the fertile ground...making it the perfect place for planting gardens and having a small orchard.  

I am fortunate to have a few fruit trees, a line of raspberries, a few flower gardens, but...how would it be the country living without rhubarb?  Well, I have to tell you that I do not have a passion for rhubarb and wished many years for my plants to die.  Since it grows like a weed, I swear you can't kill it no matter how much you try.  So... I would just harvest it about three times during in-season and give it away.  

As of this year my opinion of rhubarb has changed.  It all started when I wanted to make a pie filling for my parents using rhubarb.  I searched online and stumbled on this amazing recipe:

http://canningwithkids.com/blog/2010/05/canned-strawberry-rhubarb-pie-filling.html

I have made two batches already and I absolutely love the filling!  This says tons considering how much I hate the taste of rhubarb.  Seriously...this filling "sauce" is so great - it's addictive!  And...do you have any idea how good rhubarb is for you?  

If you don't, just read what is from this link:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/403208-the-health-benefits-of-rhubarb/  

-OR this link-

http://www.zhion.com/herb/Rhubarb.html

So now I'm happy to grow rhubarb...and eat it!

 

Just look at how beautiful it is this year?  This is from the first crop that I have already picked and canned.  I am anxiously waiting for the second crop now!  ; )