The quiet pleasure of snipping the season’s first Sterling Roses … the joy of having them grace the table … the all-out excitement of celebrating Spring with new recipes at ChezHelvetica. An alternative preparation for much-loved Risotto beckoned in Martha Stewart Living with Baked Risotto with Fines Herbes and Lemon. Using Leeks, Parsley and Green Onion from the VAMC Farmers’ Market and Tarragon from the ChezHelvetica deck garden, and Arborio Rice with Wine, Chicken Broth, Lemon Zest and Parmesan Cheese, a delicious, creamy Risotto emerged (with a little stirring) from the Viking oven. Caesar Salad accompanied the baked beauty, as renowned Simi Winery Chardonnay elevated this evening’s Spring celebration. Days later, Coconut-Crusted Shrimp (a recipe from Martha’s Everyday Food insert) followed as the latest experiment, with wonderful flavors of Coconut, Dijon Mustard, Curry Powder and mouth-watering Gulf Prawns. With a bed of Couscous and Roasted Broccolli, dinner was on the table. Happily, the bloom is on the Rose and on the HomeChef!
