Family Dinner with JP

I just don't get it. Risotto. It is a delicious, tender, flavor-infused dish. It is versatile, and can be made seasonal in a moment's notice. It take very little time. It is always a fan favorite. So why aren't people making risottos like constantly?! This is one of those types of dishes that impresses non-cooks immediately. Which is not to say they're wrong - a finely executed risotto is beautiful and delicious and tastes BIG. But there is this mistake or perpetuated myth that a risotto is tough to make. Spoiler: this one is easy as hell! All it takes is two hands - one to hold your wine and one to do the consistent (not constant) stirring. Time and patience and consistency are the keys to succeeding at just about anything in life. Oh ... and wine. Time, patience, consistency, ample wine. The trick to this particular risotto is the tomato water mixture, which you will use to hydrate the rice as well as infuse everything with a wonderful tomato flavor. Thi...

I love Smitten Kitchen . Everyone loves Smitten Kitchen. The familiarity with which people lovingly refer to "Deb" as "Deb" and not "The Woman Who Posts on Smitten Kitchen" blows my mind. And apparently she is gracious and delightful in person. If you've not checked out her site, you are a fool and know nothing. The recipes Deb publishes are somewhere between elevated and easy home cooking, with a whole spectrum in between. She has a relaxed, explanatory style, and she takes wonderful photos of the dishes. I highly recommend her delightful cookbook, too. So this week I did a straight Smitten Kitchen recipe, with minor variations. To be honest, I was sold on both the spring flavors of the dish (lemon, mint) and on her description of it as a weeknight meal (wish I had started just a little bit earlier, but next time I could shave time off for sure). It was nice to have guests over for a meal for once(Hi Joe! Hi Beth!), as I don't think I coul...