Rhubarb Mess with Bay and Cardamom

I love a wabi-sabi kind of dessert—the type that impresses through taste and beauty but is forgiving in technique and presentation. A mess is perfect for someone like me: a way more solid cook than baker, but also the kind of gal who prefers to show up at a friend’s dinner party with something homemade and gorgeous. It took some playtime in the kitchen over the years for me to realize the range that rhubarb has. It took even longer to conclude that it doesn’t require the support of a berry!