How to Make Rhubarb Candy Garnish

Turn a stalk of rhubarb into an unexpected, beautiful decoration.

Peel rhubarb stalks

One stalk of rhubarb can easily make eight to ten garnishes. First, trim and wash your rhubarb, then use a vegetable peeler to create long and thin strips.

Soak rhubarb in simple syrup

Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Soak the rhubarb strips in simple syrup for about five minutes. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure the rhubarb strips aren't overlapping each other. Bake until almost all the liquid is evaporated and the rhubarb starts to look crisp, about one hour.

Shape baked rhubarb

Remove from oven, then carefully shape into spirals, circles, or whatever you fancy. For thin spirals, try wrapping the rhubarb around the handle of a wooden spoon. Or for thicker spirals, I used the tapered end of a rolling pin. The rhubarb will harden and maintain the shape as it cools. It should only take about 10 minutes for it to harden.

If your rhubarb doesn't seem to keep its shape (you will know, it will flop right over), it simply means it's not dehydrated enough! Just return to the oven for a few minutes longer or until it's ready.

Rhubarb tuiles on cupcakes

The finished rhubarb spirals can be used as garnish on many baked goods. I like putting mine on strawberry cupcakes.

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