Gingerbread with Rhubarb and Orange Fool
Make the most of zingy rhubarb by teaming it with two of its classic flavour combinations, orange and ginger. The gingerbread keeps well in an airtight container for a few days (if you have any leftover, which is unlikely!). Preheat the oven to 160ºC. Grease and line a 30cm x 20cm brownie (baking) tray, one which holds 1.2 litres (2 pints) of liquid. Put the treacle, milk, butter and sugar in a saucepan and gently heat until the butter and sugar has melted. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly, for about 5 mins, then stir in the beaten eggs. Put the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl. Tip in the egg/sugar mixture and gently stir until all the ingredients are combined. Pour into the baking tin and bake for about 45 mins, until a cocktail stick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven, leave to cool in the tin for 10-15 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. To make the fool, put the rhubarb, sugar, orange juice and zest in a large pan. Gently heat for about 10-15 mins, until the rhubarb is tender (test by inserting a sharp knife). Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Whisk the cream in a large bowl (don't over-whisk, just do enough so that it is forming soft peaks). Add the rhubarb mixture and gently fold into the cream. Serve the gingerbread cut into squares with a dollop of fool on the side.
