Our evening walk takes us along streets to woodland pathways, narrow walkways between houses and alongside a nature preserve. We are blessed to live in a city where the natural world is valued. These days, the woods are full of blooms. Some of the prettiest are the bluebells.
Lucky for me, they also grow in our yard where I am free to pick them. Guests came for dinner last night, one of my many aunt and uncle pairings. There was no fussing over the meal since I taught all day, but I put a cluster of bluebells at each end of the table between two tea light candles. For vases I used crystal sherry glasses. Isn't it wonderful how a few blossoms and candlelight can elevate a meal?
For dessert I made a Rhubarb Fool. I do love that whimsical name. For a little reading about the name's history, click over to this article from The Guardian. This is the easiest, creamiest dessert ever. It's no more than rhubarb, cut into chunks, placed into a saucepan on low heat with sugar, then left to collapse slowly into a sauce strewn with soft pink chunks and threads of tangy deliciousness, cooled completely, then stirred gently into mounds of whipped cream. For another layer of flavor, I added finely chopped candied ginger to the rhubarb. For a more detailed recipe, follow the link to my recipe blog.
Don't forget to sign up for the giveaway. Just comment on the giveaway post, found by clicking on the link.
Lorrie, the bluebells are so pretty. I think they come up wild under the pine tree along the side of our yard. Murray mows them down every year and I always want to save them. Maybe this year I will. The Rhubarb Fool sounds delicious. It's just starting to come up now here so will be a little while longer before we can enjoy it. As for your dinner sometimes simple flowers and candlelight make the best atmosphere don't they? Pam
ReplyDeleteLove those bluebells; they remind me of England. None down here in the south! It's amazing how a little candlelight and simple flowers can make an elegant table. I noted you said "many" uncle and aunt pairings. I was just thinking today how I have only two uncles and two aunts left out of many. You are blessed (and probably much younger than me!)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, spring-y table! I am sure that your guests enjoyed both the bluebells and the fools!
ReplyDeleteThe bluebells ARE so pretty! I love your nature walks. We live in a place where nature is very valued as well... but I honestly think we all do these days!!! Your dessert recipe sounds yummy..........don't think I realized you have a recipe blog!!! Off to check it out.
ReplyDeleteOh I adore the bluebells. I look for them each year to no avail. I'm not for sure they are hardy here although I have seen them in a few yards. I love no fuss dinner parties. The dessert sound wonderful. Enjoy the remainder of the week.
ReplyDeleteThe bluebells are so lovely!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty posies and the dessert sounds yummy. I've never heard of that one before.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely spring dinner - bluebells and fools. :-) I think I'll make that recipe -my rhubarb is ready to harvest. Ahhhhh spring!
ReplyDeleteSounds yummy! Love the little bluebird that is weathered and chippy looking along with the pretty blossoms.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that delightful little bird, too. Such pretty flowers and I think I will have to try that Rhubarb Fool. I have been eyeing the rhubarb every time I get groceries.
ReplyDeleteI love rhubarb! One of my favourite treats - and one of my mum's favourites - is stewed rhubarb served over a dollop of sour cream. Seriously yummy!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bluebells, Lorrie. The dessert sounds good. I love rhubarb.
ReplyDeleteHow pretty your flowers look in those little "vases" definitely my kind of flower arranging! I am sure your visitors enjoyed the table setting and the dessert!
ReplyDeleteI planted some bluebells a couple of years ago and enjoy them. As for rhubarb, plain old stewed in a dish is the way we've always eaten it.
ReplyDeleteJudith
Lovely bluebells a delight to see every spring. I spotted quite a few wild ones growing by the side of the River Erdre when we were visiting Nantes last week but they were past their best and didn't photograph very well. Yours are a beautiful shade of blue, perfect for an informal dinner table. The rhubarb fool looks delish!
ReplyDeleteHi Lorrie, my fellow West Coast blogger. Don't you just love the bluebells now? I'm going around rescuing the bulbs from construction sites and my neighbours compost heaps. I don't get it. I'd be very happy to have masses of bluebells in the garden.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful flowers! The bluebells are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHappy May Day!
Judy
Simple garden-variety blooms in the spring -- perfection! I've posted lily-of-the-valley today and these bluebells are happy partners.
ReplyDeleteMust, must, must get some rhubarb in the garden. Your fool is inspiring! (My first attempt to write that resulted in "inspring" -- which is also what the Fool is!)
Love those beautiful bluebells...so pretty. They used to grow everywhere at our condo...
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to try Rhubarb fool, I've only ever had it stewed.
Jen
Oh, those bluebells are so pretty! I wish we had flowers like that blooming wild around here.
ReplyDeleteI copied your recipe (and read the interesting article) Lorrie - because I love rhubarb and of course was served it constantly growing up in England!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this one - and the table looked so lovely with the bluebells.
Mary X