Rhubarb-Strawberry Summer Pudding

Stir together rhubarb, strawberries, sugar and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat for 3 minutes.

For each of six 3/4-cup-capacity ramekins or custard cups, cut a circle of bread the same diameter as the bottom of the ramekin. Place a bread circle in the bottom of each ramekin. Cut 9 slices of the bread in half lengthwise and fit the strips horizontally around the inside of each ramekin, using 2 1/2 or 3 strips for each one and trimming to fit. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the rhubarb mixture into each of the lined ramekins, filling them to the top. Cut circles from the remaining bread slices to fit the tops of the ramekins; place over the fruit. Wrap each pudding in plastic and set three of them on a plate. Stack the other three puddings on top of them. Set something small, round and heavy on top of each pudding stack to weigh it down. Refrigerate overnight.

To serve, remove weights and unwrap the ramekins. Run a small knife around the inside edge of each one and invert onto dessert plates. Garnish with red currants, strawberries or mint.