Blushing Betty is a classic English dessert featuring rhubarb slices with a sweet pastry crust. This recipe combines the tartness of rhubarb with the delightful sweetness and flakiness of shortcrust pastry, creating a harmonious blend that's perfect for spring and early summer.
#### Ingredients Needed
- 250g (8.8 oz) frozen rhubarb, cut into thin slices
- 3 tablespoons caster sugar
- 150g (5.3 oz) plain flour
- 60g (2.1 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Rhubarb**
- Rinse the frozen rhubarb under cold water and pat dry.
- Place the slices in a bowl and sprinkle with caster sugar. Toss gently to coat evenly.
2. **Make the Shortcrust Pastry**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and 60g (2.1 oz) of softened butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add a pinch of salt if desired for extra flavor.
- Gradually mix in the remaining 30g (1.1 oz) of butter.
- Beat one large egg and vanilla extract together, then stir into the mixture until it forms a soft dough.
3. **Preheat the Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
4. **Assemble the Dessert**
- Roll out half of the pastry on a lightly floured surface to form an oval or circle.
- Place the rolled-out pastry into a deep, round tart dish and trim off any excess dough around the edges.
5. **Layering Rhubarb**
- Arrange the rhubarb slices in the prepared tart shell, overlapping them slightly for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
6. **Top with Remaining Pastry**
- Roll out the remaining pastry to cover the top of the rhubarb.
- Trim and crimp the edges to seal around the rim. Cut any excess pastry off using scissors or a knife.
7. **Bake**
- Brush the pastry with a beaten egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the rhubarb is soft.
8. **Serve and Enjoy**
- Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche.
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Enjoy crafting this delightful Blushing Betty Rhubarb Dessert and share your creations on social media using the hashtag #BlushingBettyRhubarb!