Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

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Risotto Milanese

You may have to excuse me for the teenybopper that is about to pop out during this post. You see, about 2 weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet one of my favorite bands. A band whose music makes me smile, makes me dance and brings back memories. A band who is as inspirational and caring as people as they are talented musicians.  A band I have been a fan of for, oh, the past 13 years or so. And what does a 26 year old food blogger do when she meets her favorite band and tries her best not to squeal like a girl half her age? Why she talks to them about food of course. And who would’ve thought that they would actually be interested.

If you’ve known me for a while or have been following my tweets on twitter then you already know that I’m talking about Hanson. I have been a fan since I was 13 years old and first heard Mmmbop.  This is why it should not come as a shock when I say that when I found out Hanson was coming to Seattle to promote their new album Shout it Out (awesome by the way, I challenge you not to like it) I jumped at the chance to buy tickets. Also, being a fan club member I was able to request a meet and greet with the band and actually got one.

I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was freaking out just a little bit when I got the e-mail telling me that I had won a meet  and greet. I mean after all, I have been a fan for 13 years. My initial thought of “Oh my word, what am I going to wear?”  Quickly turned into “what am I going to say?!” followed shortly by prayers of “pleasedontsoundlikeanidiot, pleasedontsoundlikeanidiot.”

But as it turns out I didn’t really need to be worried.

Isaac and Taylor Hanson

Isaac and Taylor Hanson

Zac Hanson

Zac Hanson

These pictures were taken during The Walk by my new friend Mandy McGee.

The meet and greet took place right before the concert. The butterflies were fluttering but I don’t think I looked like an idiot . I wasn’t able to  get up the courage to say anything for the first few minutes but when Taylor was signing my CD sleeve I figured, now is your chance just say something.  The first thing that came out was “What is your favorite dish?” This got him talking, and I suddenly felt very comfortable. Apparently Taylor Hanson is a foodie. Who knew? In addition to tiramisu, buratta (apparently I’m not the only one with a mozzarella obsession) Taylor said risotto. A perfectly cooked risotto with very simple ingredients to be more precise. I told him I had a food blog and would take a crack at it. My result? This Risotto Milanese with wine, chicken broth, onions, garlic and saffron. It’s simple, creamy oh so scrumptious.

Risotto Milanese in white bowl

Risotto Milanese

What's a food blogger do when she meets her favorite band? Ask them their favorite dish and then make it of course.
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Main Dishes, Side Dishes
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2 Servings

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup shredded Romano cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat chicken broth and saffron in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, but not boiling, reduce heat to low and allow to simmer.
  • In another large pot melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in rice just until it is coated in the butter. Do not brown. Pour in wine and cook until wine absorbs. Pour in one ladle of hot saffron chicken broth. Stir consistently until liquid is absorbed. Repeat process, one ladle at a time, until all broth has been absorbed by the rice.
  • Remove from heat and stir in remaining tablespoon of butter, Romano and Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve immediately.

Notes

Enjoy! Oh and by the way. The guys totally ROCKED the concert. And in case you were wondering no I did not faint, I did not cry, I did not throw my bra on stage. I did however sing along with every word to every song and danced my butt off. Seriously, I triple dog dare you to listen to this song and try not to dance.
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: Food, hanson, isaac hanson, italian, Recipe, rice, risotto, risotto milanese, saffron, taylor hanson, zac hanson

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    David C
    December 4, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    Glad to hear about the fun time you enjoyed. The band seems like a nice group of people. We cooked your rissoto tonight for dinner. As another foodie, I can tell you the result was better than any of this variation in Atlanta. Thank you!

  • Reply
    Pay Direct Loan Online
    April 27, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  • Reply
    Hillary
    October 22, 2010 at 6:07 pm

    Hooray for Hanson! Saw this on Tastespotting. The risotto looks great; I’ll be sharing this with another Hanson fan!

  • Reply
    Deseree
    October 21, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    Thank you everyone! I’m glad you can all understand my school girl sillyness. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to give them my blog name, but I’m crossing my fingers that they see this. If they left a comment, I’m not gonna lie, I most certainly would get a little girlie again Debs. PS I’m glad you liked it Jeanne! The risotto and the Hanson video ;-)

  • Reply
    Debs
    October 21, 2010 at 8:47 am

    How fantastic for you to meet your favourite band. Have to admit I’ve never heard of them (but I am a lot older than you LOL), sorry guys!

    The risotto sounds lovely BTW. Did you give them your blog details? If so, I hope they read this post and leave a message for you, then you can get all silly & girlie again LOL.

  • Reply
    Kathryn
    October 21, 2010 at 7:46 am

    Hey! Just stopping by to let you know we’re giving away a signed Sandra Lee cookbook with 1,001 recipes over at Chew on That! We’d love for you to enter! The giveaway ends on Halloween, so hurry over! :)

  • Reply
    ButterYum
    October 21, 2010 at 6:32 am

    How nice that you got to meet your favorite band in person, and what a great opening line. Did you manage to give him your blog info?

    :)
    ButterYum

  • Reply
    Jeanne
    October 18, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    Just wanted to let you know I used this recipe of yours to make my very first risotto this evening. Absolutely fabulous! And, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Hanson video. I ended up inviting my 13yo daughter to watch it with me. She thought it was great too. Many thanks!

  • Reply
    Jenn's Food Journey
    October 18, 2010 at 4:51 am

    Great story Des….Oh, yes, I do remember Hanson..those Oklahoma boys sure grew up nicely!! I think it’s great that you got to meet them!
    The risotto looks and sounds wonderful!

  • Reply
    Andrea
    October 17, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    This looks delicious! I’ve never made my own risotto, but I might have to try it!

    Also- they are so attractive! I don’t think I’ve seen what they look like in AGES- wow!

  • Reply
    Ron Merlin
    October 16, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    Great Post, I love Risotto, why didn’t I think of this recipe.

    But also, the embedded You Tube Post? Loved it. Got a couple of lady friends I might send that to. Ha ha.

    Thanks.

    Ron Merlin

    The Merlin Menu

  • Reply
    Deseree
    October 15, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Thanks everyone it was a really fun experience :) StephenC- do you use 1 cup or 2 cups of rice when you make it? Most recipes I see that use 4 – 5 cups call for 2 cups of rice.
    Alexandra- Well hey there! I wish we all would’ve got to introduce ourselves to each other too! Risotto is a little bit of a labor of love and takes about 30 minute to make but it is totally worth it. Hope you like it :)

  • Reply
    Alexandra
    October 15, 2010 at 9:02 am

    Hey! I was also in your meet and greet and what a great experience! Found your blog from your member profile. This looks amazing and I will definitely have to try it. What is the approx cooking time?

  • Reply
    Apron Adventures
    October 15, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Wow, I had no idea you were a Hanson fan! I can’t say I share your appreciation for them, but I totally get the schoolgirl excitement :) The risotto dish looks amazing!

  • Reply
    StephenC
    October 15, 2010 at 7:55 am

    What a fun story! I remember Mmmbop very well. Hadn’t thought about Hanson in a long time.

    I’m amazed you can make risotto with only 3 cups of liquid. It takes us 4-5. That being said, risotto is an absolute favorite in our house.

  • Reply
    Fun and Fearless in Beantown
    October 15, 2010 at 6:59 am

    OMG, this is the most adorable story! I love that Hanson of all things inspired this post! Risotto looks gorgeous and SO cheesy…

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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