Butternut Risotto

Risotto comes from the Northern part of Italy and is normally a primo (first course), served on its own before the main course, however, it can also be served as a main dish for family dinners. Just remember to use the widest pan you have so the rice forms one layer, this helps it cook evenly.

Ingredients:
1 small butternut squash
6 cups vegetable stock
3 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups risotto rice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Chopped fresh parsley, for topping

Preparation:
1.) Break down the squash
- Cut the stem end off the squash, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
- Slice in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from one half.
- Reserve the other half for another use.
- Slice the squash lengthwise about 1/2 inch thick, then slice crosswise into 1/2-inch cubes.

2.) Cook the squash
- Bring the stock to a boil in a saucepan, then reduce the heat and keep at a simmer.
- Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat.
- Add the squash; cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup water and cook until the squash is tender, 10 to 15 more minutes. Use a wooden spoon to partially mash the squash, pressing it against the side of the pan.

3.) Make the risotto
- Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper.
- Add a ladleful of hot stock to the rice and cook, stirring, until absorbed.
- Continue adding stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
- About halfway through, add more salt and pepper to taste.

The entire cooking process takes about 20 minutes; start tasting for doneness after about 15 minutes. If you've used all of the stock and the rice is not yet al dente, heat a few cups of water and add ladlefuls as you did with the stock until the dish is done. The risotto is done when you can drag the spoon through the center of the pan and make a clean line in the rice for a few seconds. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

4.) Serve the risotto
- Transfer to serving bowls or a platter and top with Parmesan and parsley.
- Never leave finished risotto in the pan as it will keep cooking into a mush.

Pumpkin-Cranberry Muffins

These autumn-inspired muffins are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Loaded with dried cranberries, pumpkin, and bright orange flavors, they're extra delicious split and topped with cream cheese or your favorite jam.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried cranberries
juice from 1 large orange
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice blend
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon orange zest
brown sugar, for sprinkling

Preparation:
1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with muffin liners and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2.) Combine the cranberries and orange juice in a small saucepan and heat until the orange juice is warm. Set aside to let the cranberries plump, about 5 minutes, then drain off the juice.
3.) Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
4.) Whisk together the butter, plumped cranberries, pumpkin puree, milk, eggs and orange zest in a large bowl.
5.) Add the flour-spice mixture to the pumpkin mixture and gently fold the batter together until it is just combined (it's ok if there are a few lumps).
6.) Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups and sprinkle the top of each muffin generously with the brown sugar.
7.) Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 24 minutes. 8.) Cool the muffins in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.