Sweet Tart

Melissa Gray, a classically trained pastry chef and owner of Cakes By Gray and RosaBees, a Polynesian eatery and cocktail bar in Asheville’s River Arts District, knows a thing or two about desserts—especially those with uncommon flavor pairings. For a sweet treat that captures the essence of spring, the Asheville native suggests topping a classic lemon pound cake with a flavorful rosé-poached fennel and rhubarb compote and honey whipped cream.

While you might think of fennel, a member of the carrot family that’s in season winter through spring, as most often enjoyed raw in salads or braised for a savory side, its aromatic, anise-like flavor also makes it an incredible companion to sweets.

“Fennel’s bold licorice flavor creates a beautiful dessert with an amazing taste,” Gray says, noting she particularly likes the way rhubarb complements its unique tartness. Try it yourself at home (and note that the recipe requires two days of soaking in the fridge), or stop into RosaBees, where you’ll find it on the spring/summer dessert menu. 

Rosé-poached fennel and rhubarb with honey whipped cream (Serves 12)

2 cups rosé
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. honey
1 small cinnamon stick
1 star anise
2 cloves
1 bulb fennel, trimmed & rinsed
1 lb. rhubarb, trimmed & rinsed

Combine all ingredients, except fennel and rhubarb, in a wide saucepan. Cut the rhubarb into pieces and fennel bulb on a bias while the liquid heats. When the liquid is nearly boiling, add half of the rhubarb and fennel. When just tender, remove the rhubarb and fennel with a slotted spoon and transfer to a separate bowl. Add the remaining rhubarb and fennel and poach. Each batch will take one to three minutes. Transfer to the bowl.

Over moderate heat, reduce the poaching liquid to about three-quarters cup. Remove from heat and pour over the rhubarb and fennel pieces. Allow to cool to room temperature before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for two days to allow the color to develop. Serve over Lemon Pound Cake (recipe online). Store any unused portion in refrigerator for up to one week.

Honey Whipped Cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2-3 Tbsp. honey
Vanilla, to taste

Place a stainless steel bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. Remove bowl and pour in cream. Whip with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form, about three to five minutes. Mix in honey and vanilla. Serve immediately.

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Check out RosaBees Lemon Pound Cake recipe

RosaBees
27 Foundy St. #20, Asheville
(828) 417-7212
rosabees.com