Adrienne

Adrienne

Monday, August 30, 2010

Sorry, Julia. I Just Had to Try the Rice Balls.

If you follow my personal blog, Jojo's Joys, you already know about the trip to NY, my fascination and new found love of, the rice ball.   After seeing my post, Patti at Bramasole...To Yearn for the Sun, sent me her recipe and this weekend I set out to make Arancini di Riso.   First, the risotto had to simmer while I slowly added 10 cups of chicken broth.   While this took some time, stirring the risotto was a very soothing experience.   


After adding the parmesan cheese and peas, I put the risotto in the refrigerator overnight.


The next morning I set up my assembly line of mozzarella and salami...

and flour, eggs and bread crumbs, I was ready to get started.  
But honestly, what good is food without friends, family and some celebration?  Luckily it was time for Wine Club so we headed to Rebecca Arillaga's for a fantastic evening of fun and fellowship.

We were so excited to have wine consultant, Bill Reynolds leading our wine tasting and our focus for the evening just happened to be some very interesting wines from Italy. 


Just look at the fabulous foods for our wine tasting and it wasn't long before the Italian music began and Rebecca helped us all loosen up a bit with her tango and the story of how the tango originated in the Italian immigrant neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. 


Steve was quite inquisitive about this particular wine. 


While Hassan looked mad that his glass was empty. 


Good friends, 



and plenty of 



Good times!  


So here's the recipe in case you want to make them. 

3 cups leftover cooked risotto con piselli
2 Tbsp minced  chives or basil
2 large egg yolks
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 inch diced or shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese
1/4 inch diced or minced genoa salami
flour for dredging
2 large egg beaten with a couple of tablespoons of  water
seasoned bread crumbs
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
tomato sauce is optional
In a large bowl, combine the risotto with the Parmesan, cream, herbs, and egg yolk. Season with salt and pepper. I use a medium ice cream scoop here. Scoop up the risotto mixture and pack it around a some cheese and salami to make a ball. Put the flour, egg wash, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Dredge the croquettes in the flour, dip in the egg wash, and roll in the bread crumbs. Chill thoroughly at least a few hours.
Pour oil into a tall deep fry pan or fryer.  Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it registers 375°F on a deep-frying thermometer. Fry the rice balls in batches, without crowding, until they are evenly browned, 4-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain briefly. Serve in a bowl of tomato sauce
Risotto con Piselli
6 tablespoons butter
1 1’2 large onions, finely diced
2 cups Arborio rice
1 cup white wine
10 cups chicken broth heated to a low simmer
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup or so heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups frozen peas, defrosted
Melt butter and saute onions till soft. Add rice and cook 2-3 minutes till translucent. Add wine and simmer till absorbed. Start adding hot broth, one ladle at a time, allowing it to be absorbed before adding the next ladleful. Swirl in butter and then heavy cream. Stir in parmesan cheese and then peas. For arancini, allow to cool and refrigerate till cold.



12 comments:

  1. I've had these out, but never made them. They look delish.

    - The Tablescaper

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  2. The risotto balls look fab and your photos are great!

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  3. Cheryl your rice balls look absolutely delicious! Pattie's recipes are always so good ..I miss her blogging.

    Your "wine club" with friends is such a nice idea. I'd love to do something like this!

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  4. Wow, just love those arancini - you did a perfect job - and what fun to have a group of friends to share life's pleasures with.

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  5. Hi lovely lady.
    This looks like a Great recipe for a dinner party Thanks so much. I also love a good glass of wine !!! We have a glass ever night with dinner like you can see in my Tablescapes. I would like to thank you so much for your sweet comments on my Blog. Im also your newest follower on your lovely Blog. I hope you can come join my Blog also, and I hope you have a great weekend with family and friends.
    XXOO Diane

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  6. I would love to try these. They look great. How nice to have a wine expert as part of your wine club! Dianne

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  7. Oh My those are a "MUST HAVE"!!! They look so good AND you look like you had a WONDERFUL TIME!!!
    Have a great weeks end,
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  8. They look delicious and so just your buffet table.
    You look like you were all having a wonderful time.
    Thanks for stopping by.
    Why don't we follow each other?
    Shel x

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  9. Have adored Julia since she swung a chicken over her shoulder onto the floor. I was hooked.

    Of course it was a first run show & I wasn't even a teenager yet.

    Souper Jenny I have time for. One must eat!

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  10. Mmmmmmmmm......je pance que ca c`etait trop bon!!! Et la nouvelle resete C`est sur je va le cuisinier!!!! :O)
    bonne journee!!!
    xxx Maria xxx

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  11. What fun...and thank you for visiting me the other day...I have never made rice-balls but they do look yummy. Happy Fall to you.

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