Rhubarb Salsa

This is a pretty pickle-y, vinegary salsa...a little more relish-like. But since I love pickles, I like it!! I had it over a sautéed chicken thigh with some extra lime-honey pan sauce, but it would also be good on pork or fish, or used as a relish on sandwhiches or burgers too. Personally, I choose to leave out the cilantro (I'm not a fan!) and use a very small jalapeno.

Ingredients

1 T honey

1 t olive oil

1 lime

1 C rhubarb

½ red bell pepper

2 T red onion

salt & pepper to taste

optional: 1 small jalapeno, 1 T fresh chopped cilantro

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, oil and the juice and zest of the lime.

Small dice (¼ inch - or smaller) the rhubarb, bell pepper and onion (and jalapeno, if using; and chop cilantro, if using). Add to honey-lime mixture, stirring to combine. Season with salt & pepper.

Funnel Cakes

It's fair week in the PNW...so here's a recipe for some traditional "fair food" that you can make at home in case you missed it at your local county fair!

Ingredients (makes 6-8 funnel cakes, 8-10 inches)

1½ C AP flour

2 T sugar

2 t baking powder

pinch salt

1 egg

½ C milk

½ C water

½ t vanilla extract

oil for frying

powdered sugar

Directions

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt until evenly blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, water and vanilla. Beat liquid mixture into flour until smooth.

In an electric frying pan or deep skillet, heat about 1½ - 2 inches of oil to 375°F. (I heat the oil to nearer 400°F; as soon as you add the batter, the temperature drops significantly. If it drops below about 350°F, your batter is soaking up oil before it cooks.)

From a few inches above the oil, drizzle batter* (about 1/3 C) in circular, spiral pattern into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown -- about 2 minutes each side. Use tongs to remove from oil onto paper towel lined plate or pan to drain.

* Using a funnel is traditional (though not necessary): Cover the spout/bottom of the funnel with your finger; load the funnel with 1/3 C of the batter --  or a little more since some will remain coating the sides the funnel. Release your finger holding the funnel a few inches over the oil, drizzling in a circular, spiral pattern...

Dust with powdered sugar to serve.

        ...or go all out and drizzle with your favorite syrup or top with ice cream!