Best Recipes Ever - Chocolate Risotto

Who would have believed that rice could taste so sensational? Creamy, comforting and with a rich chocolate flavour, this unusual and elegant dessert will bring calls for encores.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
1 cup (250 mL) arborio rice or other short grain rice
1 cup (250 mL) hot water
2 cups (500 mL) warm milk
1 tbsp (15 mL) vanilla
6 oz (170 g) bittersweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) dried cherries or dried cranberries
3 tbsp (45 mL) granulated sugar
1 pinch salt
1 oz (28 g) white chocolate, grated

Preparation:

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add rice, stirring to coat. Add hot water; cook, stirring, until most of the liquid is evaporated.

Add 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the milk; cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid is evaporated. Continue adding milk, 1/2 cup (125 mL) at a time, cooking and stirring until rice is tender and creamy, about 18 minutes in total. Stir in vanilla.

Add bittersweet chocolate, cherries, sugar and salt ; cook, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted, about 1 minute. (Make-ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Add 1/2 cup/125 mL milk; cover with plastic wrap and microwave at High for 1 minute. Stir well.) Spoon into dessert dishes. Sprinkle with white chocolate.

Servings: 8

Tags: arborio rice, butter, chocolate, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla, white chocolate