Wild Mushroom Duxelles & Fiddlehead Fern Risotto

Crafted with wild mushroom duxelles and fiddlehead ferns, this creamy recipe is a favorite here at the farm on chilly evenings.

Ingredients:
1½ cups Arborio rice
4 cups chicken stock
½ cup white wine (if desired)
½ finely chopped onions or shallots
1-2 tablespoons chopped garlic (if desired)
8 tablespoons butter or olive oil (can use a mixture)
½ cup wild mushroom duxelles
¼ cup grated Grana cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 cups Sautéed Fiddlehead Ferns (see recipe)
Sea salt and ground pepper to taste

Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil and then turn down to a simmer to keep hot.

2. In another large saucepan over medium low heat, melt 4-5 tablespoons of butter and cook the onions until soft, but not brown. Add garlic and continue cooking for about 2 minutes. Turn the heat up and add the Arborio rice, stir for about one minute. Add a ladleful of stock to the rice and continue stirring until almost absorbed.

3. Add another ladleful of stock and the wine (if using) and continue stirring. Repeat until all the stock is gone and the rice is creamy and tender.

4. Stir in the remaining butter, the duxelles and grated Grana until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Before serving, top each portion of risotto with a healthy helping of sautéed fiddleheads and a grating of Grana-style cheese.