Monday, January 11, 2010

Recipe: Mixed Grain Risotto



I've never made a risotto before tonight. I'll admit, I was intimidated. I feel like it's FANCY & that I'm just oh so regular. But man was it YUMMY! I'm sure as I practice, it will only improve. This is the recipe I used, it's warm & perfect for the chilly weather.
**Load up on the veggies, I added more than it called for, why? Because I CAN! :)


Mixed Grain Summer Risotto
from O Magazine
Serves 6-8

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 small yellow squash, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 small zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced
½ cup each brown rice, pearl barley and wild rice
¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus some whole leaves for garnish (optional)
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3/4 of squash and zucchini, and cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add brown rice, barley, and wild rice; toast, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add wine (if using) and cook 1 minute more. Add broth; bring to a boil. Partially cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rice and barley are tender and risotto is thick and slightly soupy, about 45 minutes.

Stir in rest of squash and zucchini; cook, uncovered, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, basil, and tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste, and basil garnish (if using).


I substituted Butternut Squash for the yellow squash, because I like it better. Other substitutes could be:
spinach leaves
asparagus
peas
mushrooms
brussels sprouts
dried fruit

Enjoy!
xo,
M.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

turn up the heat

HOT YOGA is where it's AT!!

Benefits?
Practitioners of hot yoga believe the heat extends the ability of the ligaments, tendons and muscles. Immersing yourself in hot yoga practice is said to:

* release toxins
* improve flexibility and range of motion
* increase the chances of weight loss
* develop muscle tone
* build the immune system

Yoga rocks, hot yoga or Bikram yoga adds a little twist!
We all wanna spice up our lives right? HOT YOGA PEOPLE!

Find a class near you, prepare to sweat & work your tooshie off--literally!

Namaste.
(xo,M)