Fall Fruit Risotto

Sp creamy, tangy and sweet

Katherine is not a fan of sweet risottos but as a light first course or first dessert they are very good. This was an attempt to blend the sweetness of a fruit risotto with a more savory meat and cheese. The result was a terrific success for me, but Katherine still was on the fence.

For those who do not know how to make risotto go here and remember how simple they are. Below is just a list of ingredients. I simmered the chicken stock with the apple and pear peels to increase the fruit flavor.

Apple, Pear and Ham Risotto with Blue Cheese

• 1 apple peeled and diced small
• 1 pear peeled and diced small
• 1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion
• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 slices quality ham diced small
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 4 oz blue cheese
• Salt/pepper

Cook risotto as normal but simmer ham with onion before adding rice to fat. Finish with cheese and remove from heat to set up. If simmering fruit peels in stock strain so they do not get into the rice.