The Adventures of Kitchen Girl

Ingredients * 1 pound asparagus * 4 Tablespoons butter (reserve 1 Tablespoon) * 1/2 cup chopped shallots * 1 cup arborio rice * 1/2 cup white wine (use a dry wine you would like to drink, please!) * 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock * 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese * Salt and pepper Method * Prepare the asparagus by breaking off the last inch of the spear, this is to get rid of the tough parts. Cut into 1 inch pieces. Bring a saucepan with a quart of water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus pieces for 4 minutes. Remove the asparagus pieces and place into ice water. This will stop the cooking process and keep it's beautiful green color. Drain and set aside. * Bring the stock to a simmer in a saucepan. Keep the stock simmering as you use it. * In a 4 quart saucepan, heat 3 Tablespoons butter on medium heat. Add the shallots and cook for a few minutes until tender. Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring until well coated. * Add the wine. Stir, al

Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 4 large garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Lamb Loin Chops or Center Cut Pork Chops Fresh mint sprigs Method: Place olive oil, chopped fresh mint, minced garlic, salt, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in small bowl; mix well. Spread herb mixture over both sides of chops. Let stand 20 minutes. Grill or broil chops to desired taste.