Rhubarb Strawberry Torte

Directions

• In a large saucepan, bring rhubarb, water and 1/2 cup sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes or until rhubarb is tender. Cool slightly. Set aside 1 cup rhubarb liquid for glaze. Place rhubarb and remaining liquid in a blender or food processor; cover and process until pureed.
• Return to saucepan. Bring to a boil; stir in gelatin until dissolved. Stir in vanilla. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until slightly thickened.
• Meanwhile, for glaze, combine reserved rhubarb liquid and remaining sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; whisk into boiling mixture. Cook and stir until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in food coloring if desired. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Gradually fold whipped cream into rhubarb mixture. Arrange 17 split ladyfingers on the bottom and 26 around the edge of an ungreased 9-in. springform pan. Spread half of the rhubarb mixture into pan. Arrange remaining ladyfingers over rhubarb mixture; carefully spread with remaining rhubarb mixture. Cover and chill overnight. Carefully spread glaze over top. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with strawberries and whipped cream.