Thursday, December 15, 2011

Oven Baked Parmesan Risotto

I think risotto is one of the most delicious foods ever.  I've tried making it a couple of times, and I discovered something. I hate making it.  I absolutely loathe it.  You have to constantly stir it and time things just right and it burns super easily.  So I was ecstatic when I stumbled upon a recipe for oven baked Parmesan risotto from the blog Once Upon a Plate.  It doesn't require constant stirring!  I am home for winter break, and I wanted to cook dinner for my parents.  I thought this would be a great recipe for my dad to come home to after a long commute!  I ended up improvising a little. We didn't have chicken broth, so I used turkey broth.  I also added chanterelle mushrooms, which may or may not have been a good decision.

Oven Baked Parmesan Risotto

1 1/2 cups arborio or other short-grained rice suitable for risotto
3 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese or parmigiano reggiano
1 1/2 ounces butter
salt and pepper to taste

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2) In an oven-proof pot with a tight fitting lid, add the chicken stock and stir in the rice.

3) Cover tightly with foil and/or lid and place in oven.  Bake for 45 minutes or until liquid is almost all absorbed and rice is al dente.  (Check to make sure the broth is boiling, otherwise it will take longer to cook).

4) Remove from oven.  Stir in the Parmesan and butter until creamy, and season with salt and pepper.  Add more broth is the risotto is too thick.

For some reason, the risotto didn't start cooking for a long time.  But an extra 20 minutes later, it was delicious and my parent's loved it!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

3rd Annual Latke Dinner

For the past two years, Chanukah has been so early that I wasn't able to celebrate it with my family.  In lieu of being with my family and eating my mom's delicious latkes, I started my own tradition of cooking this customary Chanukah recipe for my friends up at school.  Even though Chanukah is at a reasonable time this year, I've really enjoyed this yearly shin-dig and have decided to continue my new tradition! So put on your yarmulke, it's time for Chanukah...I hope I don't burn my apartment down.

Latkes

6 large potatoes (about 3 pounds)*
2 yellow onions
4 eggs
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
1 tablespoon pepper
1/4 to 1/2 cup flour
Peanut oil
*frozen shredded potatoes (hashbrowns) works just as well

1) Shred potatoes into a bowl of water (to help prevent browning).  Let them sit for a while, then drain well, keeping the starch at the bottom of the bowl.  Squeeze as much water out as possible.

2) Shred onions and add them to potatoes along with beaten eggs, salt/pepper, and flour.  Blend well.

3) Fry in hot oil.  If they fall apart, add more flour.

It tasted like home!  I am so thankful for the friends who came and ate my latkes! I also made some vegan latkes for one of my friends.  They were delicious too!