Cooking Thursday~~Rhubarb Crunch

Rhubarb is one of the first fruits here in NY.  We just planted some and are looking forward to it in a few years.  For now I'll be borrowing some from my parents.

Rhubarb Crunch

•1/2 cup butter, melted

•1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

•1 cup packed light brown sugar

•3/4 cup oats

•4 cups diced rhubarb

•1 cup sugar

•2 T. cornstarch

•1 cup water

•1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

•1/2 tsp. lemon extract

•1 cup fresh sliced strawberries (optional)

•Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar and oats in a medium bowl and mix until crumbly. Place half the mixture in an 8-by-8-inch baking dish. Top with the rhubarb.

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, vanilla extract and lemon extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and clear. Spoon the sauce over the rhubarb. If desired, add sliced strawberries for extra sweetness. Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture on top. Bake 1 hour, then remove to a cooling rack. Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

To see other Cooking Thursday posts visit Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.