Fall is in the air: Time for some Arizona red wine and a lovely risotto.

2009 MSGp : blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache, and Petite Sirah

There is nothing I like more than Italian food and red wine, and risotto has to be top on that list.  Now add an Arizona red wine to the menu and it calls for one yummy week night meal.

Risotto, to many, can seem like a laborious task, one not worth the trouble, but that is a culinary myth.  While yes, it does take constant stirring and careful watching, it is actually a very easy meal.  And with a base recipe to follow, you can customize it to your taste, and make a new and fresh dish every time   If you have older kids or a willing spouse in the house, risotto is the perfect couples or family meal.  Need to take a stir break, ask them to help, and then everyone takes ownership in the meal, and it goes from an average dinner to a family affair.  Yes, I love risotto, and it is one of my 'easy' meal choices.  Most of the time everything you need to make it is already in your cupboard, the ultimate convince food.

Below is the link to the base recipe I use.  I always stick to liquid/rice/cheese ratio, but play with the rest.   I customize it by adding in various ingredients to make it a new dish every time   This last time I used 16 ounces of mixed mushrooms, petite peas, and sprinkled on smoked salmon and finished it with a dollop of whipped cream cheese.  Since I went with mushrooms a Syrah based Arizona wine was the perfect choice   I had a Page Springs Cellars red in the wine fridge that I purchased the last time I visited the winery.  It is a terrific red blend, sure to please any palate.  Great dirty, earthy quality, with a soft berry mouth feel and lush easy tannins   It would work with so many foods.  Maybe a great Thanksgiving red?  Hmmm . . . . could be another local wine holiday.

Here is the recipe link:
http://lidiasitaly.com/recipes/detail/162

Cheers to Arizona wine and fabulous risotto!  Thank you and enjoy.

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