Basic Risotto

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup Arborio Rice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small shallot, diced fine
1/2 cup dry white wine
About 4 to 5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper
5 large basil leaves, chopped

In a skillet, heat the butter with the olive oil until the butter has melted completely. Add the shallots and saute until just soft. Add the garlic and saute another minute, or until garlic is fragrant. Add in the Arborio rice and stir to combine. Toast the rice for about 3 minutes, and add the white wine. Stir the risotto and boil until most of the liquid is absorbed.
By the ladlefull, add the broth - just enough to cover the rice. Keep stirring the rice until most of the liquid is absorbed. Keep adding broth and stirring until the rice is just al dente. (The only way to know is to taste it!)
The rice will double in volume and will puff up. Turn off the heat and add the cheese, salt, pepper and basil. Stir to combine. Serve immediately.

*I'm not going to try to fool you, risotto is a tough dish to make. It takes some practice and a lot of patience, and a good bit of prep work, but let me tell you - it is worth it! When I am making risotto, I like to have everything in place before I start. I chop up the shallot and the garlic, set it aside. Pour the wine into a measuring cup and have it ready. Have the broth heating up in a pot behind the pan I am using for the risotto, Grate the cheese into a bowl, set it aside. Have the rice measured out and set in a bowl or cup. Butter and olive oil go right in the pan. Once I have everything in place, I start, because once you start, you won't have time to prep anything else. Risotto must be treated with care and patience, but the result is a creamy, luxurious treat. You can also add anything you want once it's done cooking, just make sure whatever you are adding is cooked as well. I usually add chopped spinach and either shrimp or chicken to make a "one pot meal." Give it a shot. I promise you will love it.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2 & 3