Ingredients:
? 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
? 1 tbsp olive oil
? 2 shallots, minced
? 3/4 cup pearled barley
? 1/2 cup white wine
? 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to taste
? 1/2 lb asparagus spears
? Chopped basil for garnish
? salt and pepper
Method:
? Pour the chicken stock into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
? Reduce to a simmer and cover to keep the stock warm.
? Heat up another pot over medium heat, then add the olive oil.
? Add the minced shallots to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant.
? Add the barley and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not leave during this stage, or you’ll end up with burnt barley.
? Add the white wine and cook for two or three minutes, until the wine is mostly absorbed.
? Add the hot stock a little bit at a time, adding just enough to cover the surface of the barley. Stir the barley frequently. You can’t rush making risotto, so be prepared for this to take a while.
? Once the liquid is absorbed, add more stock. Repeat this process for the next 25 minutes or so, until the barley is al dente.
? When you are about fifteen minutes into cooking the risotto, wash the asparagus and snap the stalks so the soft tips of the asparagus are about two inches in length.
? Boil the asparagus in salted water for two to three minutes. Remove from heat.
? By this time, the barley should be al dente. Remove from the heat.
? Gently stir parmesan, asparagus, and herbs into the risotto. Serve while warm and creamy.
For Three
Starring Milo and Libby fromThe Minotaur’s Valentine
“It’s a boy. I know it’s a boy.”
“We have the ultrasound tech’s picture and notes. I know you wanted it to be a surprise, but we could open the—”
Libby whips her coffee cup down and her work bag off, slamming both down on the kitchen island. “Touch that envelope before Saturday, and you’re a dead minotaur. Doc already ordered the cake for the party, and your mother is running a betting pool with the girls at book club.”
“I’m just saying, we could find out if it makes you feel better.”
“Nothing will make me feel better,” Libby pouts at me.
