I opened the Italian Favorites cookbook and found the vegetable filled risotto looked so good on the page (I tend to pick the recipes that have pictures), I had to try it. Fresh asparagus, onion, red bell pepper and yellow zucchini made this a bright dish that had me thinking I'll be making it a lot this summer. It just looked festive! (Of course I left out the mushrooms... which I'm sure would've added more flavor, but I didn't feel like picking around them... maybe someday I'll grow up and like mushrooms. Maybe not.)
Anyway, I found support from friends on FB who gave me a boost of confidence and I went for it. It took what seemed like forever, and lots of stirring, but finally it was done! I also found a great recipe from the same cookbook for a Neapolitan specialty, steak with tomatoes and oregano, which went well with the risotto. I think Nana would be proud!
It turned out well! Gabe gave it two thumbs up and called it "delicious... one of his favorites," so I think it was a success. Although there's not much to compare it to, but I'll take it!
Allie Coyle
Kansas City Photographer
