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Monday, January 30, 2012

Risotto with Chicken

Risotto.  The very name evokes something delicious, and probably something a bit fancier than usual fare.  I am venturing in to learning to make good risotto.  This is, I believe, my second time, and while it was delicious I don't think I've really achieved true risotto goodness.  Here are a few photos from when I made it last week, plus the recipe (slightly modified from my newest addition to my cookbook library).  You may notice I didn't use the right kind of rice.  I bought the right kind and will try that next time.  Things to look forward to!
Ingredients
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 8 oz chicken breast, skinned and cut into 1-inch cubes (or however much you have and want to eat)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed/ chopped
  • 2 1/4 c risotto rice, preferably arborio
  • 1/2 c dry white wine
  • 7 1/2 c simmering chicken stock
  • 2 T butter (optional)
  • 1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • fresh flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

  • Heat the oil and begin to cook the chicken cubes.  Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft.
  • Stir in the rice and saute for 2 minutes, stirring constantly
  • Add the wine and bring to a boil.  Simmer gently until almost all the wine is absorbed (yes, I did actually buy cooking wine for this!)
  • Ad the simmering stock, a ladleful at a time, and cook, stirring continuously, until the rice is just tender and the risotto creamy.  Let each ladleful of stock be almost completely absorbed before you add the next.  Be patient.
  • Add the butter and Parmesan cheese.  Season with anything else you desire.  Don't go overboard, since one of the nice parts of this risotto is its mild goodness :) 

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Cooking Christmas presents

I was happy to receive not only a new cookbook, but also a Pampered Chef stoneware loaf pan for Christmas this year! (thanks!)  I tried out the loaf pan this morning by making banana bread, and it turned out well.  I looked through the cookbook yesterday and I'm sure I'll be sharing some new chicken recipes soon!

I hope you're as excited as I am about a new year of cooking and baking possibilities!

Here's a quote I just found.  I think it is representative of the way I cook.  Plus, she looks like she was an interesting person - a Canadian, too! :)

I feel a recipe is only a theme, which an intelligent cook can play each time with a variation. ~Madam Benoit