The Yum Yum Factor

One of my favourite things to make in my Instant Pot is risotto, which surprises nobody more than me. I have always railed against any recipes that claim to result in a creamy, rich risotto that ditches the need to stand in front of the stove, glass of wine in hand, and stir for 20 solid minutes. BAH! I said as I laughed in the face of the no stir, oven baked, microwaved risotto methods that were going to change my life. BAH! Bah, indeed because pressure cooker risotto is that recipe. I remained doubtful until I got my pressure cooker cookbook from America's Test Kitchen. Cook's Illustrated is like my bible and I use it to reference everything from recipes, methods and ingredients to products. They test the hell out of everything so we don't have to and they explain why what they did works so well so when they assure me that risotto cooked in the pressure cooker is amazing, I am pretty much obligated to try it. So, fast forward to today and I haven't ...

I asked The Kid what he would like for dinner tonight and he decided he would like some risotto. He didn't care what I put in it as long as it was risotto. Now, I could probably make cat poop and toe nail risotto and he would be happy but that would just be mean. I am trying to make amends for sending him to school with a bad sandwich this week. I tried something new and a bit daring and he didn't care for it one bit. In fact, his friend forgot his lunch and usually eats just about anything. The Kid gave the sandwich to that boy and even he wouldn't eat it. Think about that. He would rather go hungry than eat that sandwich that I sent with my own son. Of course, boy #3 who truly will eat anything put in front of him ate it but he didn't enjoy it. The mom guilt, it burns.

I am not sure what possessed me to make risotto today since it was about 30C out and that is about 93F for you Americans. It's certainly not risotto weather but I had these fresh peas and it was either this or carbonara, which is also not much of a hot weather dish is it? In the end, risotto for The Kid won out over carbonara for Shack so, loving mother that I am, I stirred over a hot stove, slaving for my offspring and it was totally worth it. The bit of bacon added a nice meaty, saltiness and let the freshly shelled peas do their thing. Next batch of fresh peas will be turned into a carbonara for Shack. Promise. Fresh Pea Risotto serves 3 (4 if it's not the main course) 1 tbls olive oil 1 tbls butter 3 slices bacon, sliced into thin strips 1 shallot 1 small clove garlic 1 1/2 cup arborio rice 3/4 cup white wine fresh thyme 3/4 cup fresh peas 1000 ml chicken stock pinch saffron 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan 1-2 tbls buttter Cook the freshly shel...