Instructions: This is a refreshing soup to be served in bowls nestled in ice. Try it as a first course or dessert. It is especially good at a brunch. This soup has everything going for it except its color .... a subdued gold that doesnt match its upbeat flavor. A few drops of red food coloring will give it life.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Clean and cut the rhubarb into 1-inch lengths.

Place the pieces in a heavy saucepan. In a separate saucepan, heat the sugar and water and stir to dissolve the sugar. Cook to a light syrup without stirring, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Place the rhubarb and sliced bananas in the blender work bowl. Puree the mixture until smooth. Mix in the orange juice and the rum, if using it. If the soup needs color, blend in 8 to 10 drops of red food coloring. Stir in the apple.

Serve in chilled bowls, preferably glass, surrounded with crushed ice.

Float half of a very thin slice of lime on the top of each bowl.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.