So, a couple of nights ago, I had a hankering (craving to those of you who do not speak Southern) for risotto. I love to make risotto. Some might find that weird because it takes a while and you have to stir and stir and stir. Personally, I love that aspect of risotto-making. No multi-tasking. Get it all ready in advance and then just stand there, adding ladles (une louche, en français, just in case you are wondering-- I learned that on the job in 2007 working for Chef Érick) of hot chicken broth, stirring and daydreaming. I am really good at all three of those jobs. Especially daydreaming. Believe me. While standing at the stove stirring, I started looking at all the magnets on my refrigerator. Yes, I know, serious business, but since I cannot solve world hunger or bring about world peace, I was stuck with my refrigerator. We have an impressive collection of magnets.
This one seemed appropriate while making risotto since the recipe calls for some white wine.
(I just happened to have a chilled bottle of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc on hand for the risotto and for sipping)
Or perhaps this one is better?
Oui, most definitely.
This would be tragic in any age and time--
Need a corkscrew?
I do drink water, too, even tap water in Paris. In the summer of 2012, there was a big-to-do at the Gare de Lyon, pushing the Paris drinking water, likening it to a "great crop." I got souvenir cups and a magnet.
We have our children represented--
Did/Do you have these? We only kept a few--
Sports moments--
Son #1 was a huge Ernie fan (he even had an "Ernie shirt" with stripes that I washed and washed and washed; the Ernie doll he got for his second Christmas still sits on the shelf in his room)
Mama Mildred and Son #2 are held up by a heart magnet--
The Ex-Ex on our honeymoon in 1982 (I have a thing for hearts...)
Family vacations are represented, too.
A little Paris in Virginia--
Sports teams
My adventures
Trip with Sister Moo and Best Niece
La Camargue
Prehistoric caves in southwest France with the Arles 6
Son #2 was with me on this one to Normandy when he was in 8th grade
I might not have taken this photo, but I have been there when there was a full moon
No explanation needed...
Italy with the BFF and Mo
A ride from Folsom, California while at a computer workshop
Gifts from family and friends
The BFF
Mme M
Where the in-laws worked
My "friends"
This one needs no explanation either--
Art exhibits
Vincent
Monet
Trips with the Ex-Ex
Biltmore House
2008-- the Ex-Ex met me in Paris... finally
And in light of yesterday's 12th anniversary, I will end with this one--
Simple Risotto
This is a basic recipe. I added a cup of frozen green peas, 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 c. dry white wine.
approximately 3 cups of risotto
1 c. uncooked arborio rice
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 c. chopped onion
4-5 c. chicken or vegetable broth, heated to simmering
Salt and pepper, to taste, if desired
Sauté onion in oil and butter for 3 minutes. Add rice, stirring to coat with oil/butter for about 2 minutes. Stir in one cup of broth and wine, if using. Continue cooking and stirring until liquid is absorbed. Gradually stir in remaining hot broth 1/2 cup at a time (I use a ladle), cooking and stirring until liquid is absorbed before adding the next cup. When rice is almost done, add whatever ingredients you wish-- sautéed mushrooms, vegetables, shrimp, etc. and continue cooking until rice is tender but not mushy.
Bon appétit à tous! Here's to many more magnets to add to my collection!
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