Mixed Mushroom Risotto

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 cups flavorful mushrooms (oyster, shiitake, or chanterelle)
• 2/3 cup brandy, vermouth, or dry white wine
• 5-6 cups organic vegetable stock
• 1/3 cup of peeled and minced shallots (or 1/3 cup of yellow or white onion, finely chopped)
• 1 3/4 cups arborio rice or other risotto rice
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives

1. Clean, trim, and cut mushrooms into half-inch to inch pieces. Bring stock to a simmer in a saucepan.

2. In a different medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and shallots and sauté about 5 minutes (if using chanterelles, dry sauté first for a minute or two and let the mushrooms cook in their own juices before adding the butter). Add the rice and stir to combine. Add brandy, bring to a boil, and reduce liquid by half, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add simmering stock, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring enough to keep the rice from sticking to the edges of the pan. Stir the rice almost constantly - stirring sloughs off the starch from the rice, making the creamy sauce you're looking for in a risotto. Wait until the stock is almost completely absorbed before adding the next 1/2 cup. This process will take about 25 minutes. The rice should be just cooked and slightly chewy.

4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.