Rhubarb and Bing Cherry Brown Betty

By darleneandjoel

This recipe bridges two seasons, combining the end of rhubarb and the beginning of cherries. Any sweet cherries will work; we have made this with betty with Royal Ann, Bing, Lambert and Rainier cherries. This recipe is different spin on a betty. Instead of bread crumbs, it calls for shortbread cookie crumbs. For eas of preparation, you can use store-bought shortbread (such as Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies) in lieu of homemade.

From "Rustic Fruit Desserts", p 22

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature for the pan
• 1 pound Vanilla Bean Shortbread or approx 18 cookies or 4 cups crushed
• 1 cup (7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 1/4 pounds rhubarb, trimmed and sliced 1/2 inch thick (about 6 cups or 1 1/2 pounds prepped)
• 2 cups (12 ounces) Bing cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted
• 2 tablespoons kirsch or brandy
• whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Details

Servings 8
Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 65mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400. Generously buttre a 3-quart baking dish.

Rub the sugar and cinnamon together in a large bowl, then add the rhubarb and cherries and toss to combine. Stir in the liquor, then let sit for 15 minutes to draw some of the juices from the rhubarb and cherries.

Evenly spread half of the crumbs in the prepared pan, then add the rhubarb mixture and all of its juices and gently spread over the crumbs. Top with the remaining crushed cookies.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and, using the back of a large offset spatula or something similar to that and gently press down on the betty to ensure the rhubarb mixture is submerged in its juices.

Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Test the rhubarb with a paring knife to ensure that it is soft. Cool for 20 minutes before serving, top with dollop of whipped cream or Chantilly cream or alongside ice cream.

Storage: This betty is best the day it is made, but any leftovers can be wrapped in plastic and kept at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.