Butternut Squash Risotto

Sighh.  I've waited so patiently for my dear friend, Autumn to arrive.  I know it's clichè to write about, but Fall is arguably the best season.  Oh, I love them all, but there's something about the anticipation of it's arrival that makes me crazy for change.

Traditions mean the world to me, and without argument, there are a “few” requirements to properly welcome Fall.  It’s undoubtedly necessary to update the old wardrobe, clean out the closets, dig out the scarves, lust for new home decor and rummage through recipes old and new.

I just love how a little update here and there can change your perspective and give-way to much needed inspiration.

And while my husband complains that I've wished summer away with my Fall agenda, I would debate that it's not just me; the trees know it's coming too.   Hardly a day will pass without the Maple trees making subtle updates of their own.  I love that.  As if it's my religion, I wake every morning to open the blinds, sip my coffee and take note of the "sprucing" up that's happening outside.

I’ve never made risotto, but I've eaten plenty.  I’ve also never fully appreciated the effort that's involved in making it; the adding…the stirring…the waiting.  Since August, I've been fantasizing about a pumpkin risotto.  I must tell you, I thought I was exceptionally clever to dream up such a lovely combination of sweet and savory…but as it turns out, that "damn Martha" beat me to it.  In any case, I decided that my first attempt at risotto would include some assistance from Ms. Stewart with a few adaptations of my own.

Most people eat risotto as a side dish, but I love a brimming bowl full of comfort all on it's own.  And despite my inner vegetarian, I secretly envision crispy pancetta crumbled over this slightly sweet and incredibly creamy dish.

Butternut Squash Risotto

ingredients:
1/2 butternut squash (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic
1/2 onion
sea salt and fresh pepper
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) organic chicken stock, plus 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
small handful of fresh sage

Prepare butternut squash:  remove seeds and membranes; discard.  Remove outer skin with vegetable peeler.  If this proves difficult, microwave squash for 3 minutes to soften. Slice lengthwise, then chop into 1/2 inch cubes.  Chop onions and mince garlic.

Start risotto:  Heat butter in bottom-heavy pan over moderately-low heat.  Add squash, onions and garlic;  stir frequently while cooking, about 6-8 minutes, or until squash is slightly softened and onions are translucent.

Prepare stock:  Mix chicken stock and water; heat in saucepan.  Set aside.

Finish risotto:  When squash has slightly softened and onions are translucent, add rice and stir to coat.  Slowly stir in wine until evaporated, about 2 minutes.  Begin by adding 1/2 cup heated chicken stock, stirring frequently, until nearly all liquid has been absorbed.  Add another 1/2 cup, repeating the previous steps until the stock is gone, taking about 35-40 minutes.  Stir constantly, ensuring risotto doesn't stick to pan.

Mix in parmesan and freshly chopped sage.  Serve immediately.

Aglio e Olio

Aglio e Olio is a huge inspiration for my cookbook.  It’s an old Italian recipe that remains a Ruffo household staple on Sunday nights (Sunday nights are always pasta nights and Ruffo is my Family’s name).

Aglio e Olio is a modest dish based on the fusion of the two primary ingredients that make up its name, Garlic (Aglio) and Olive Oil (Olio).  It’s the ultimate comfort food, and while I wouldn’t necessarily put this one in the summer category of recipes, my favorite version (featured below) is churched-up with seasonal summer veggies, sauteed of course, in garlic and olive oil.  This week I was inspired by what arrived in my CSA box: zucchini, summer squash and gorgeous heirloom tomatoes (the best I’ve ever had by the way!).  The simplicity of this dish is the best part…it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not…

This understated recipe is sure to win major points among friends, boyfriends, girlfriends and the like (I wouldn’t recommend this for a first date though…the garlic breath is a little intense).  Keep in mind, measurements are approximate and it may take some trial and error.  The first few times I made it on my own I was frustrated that it tasted nothing like my Gram’s, but keep in mind, even the worst Aglio e Olio can handily beat a box of Mac & Cheese.  Taste test along the way and don’t be afraid to add more salt as it helps to enhance your prized ingredients.  And just wait until you eat the leftovers the next day…

A-MAZING!

Ingredients:

1 pound vermicelli or linguine

8  cloves of garlic, minced (this makes for a strong dish, so do less if you’re afraid)

*1 pint of cherry tomatoes, cut in half, seasoned with salt n’ peppa and set aside (*or whatever is fresh and in season )

1/4 cup freshly chopped basil (about a handful)

1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp dried basil or Italian seasonings

Red pepper flakes (lots if you like it hot!)

Sea Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup reserved pasta water or chicken stock

Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions:

Bring pot of cold water to a boil; add pasta and lots of salt.  Cook al dente, typically 7 minutes; drain.  Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water.

While pasta is cooking, quickly saute garlic in olive oil.  Add dried basil, salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes.  Remove from heat if necessary to prevent the garlic from burning.

Two minutes before pasta is finished cooking, add chopped tomatoes or other veggies, fresh parsley and basil to garlic and olive oil.  Add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.  Pour garlic and olive oil mixture over pasta, adding more reserved pasta water if dried out, being careful not to add too much as this can water down the flavors.

Top with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper if necessary.

Mangia!!