One of my favourite things to do is cook for friends. I am particularly fortunate to have wonderful friends who love to try different foods, and this leaves me in the enviable position of being able to use them as guinea pigs, or just surprise them with something special when the occasion arises.

So when it was a long time friend’s birthday, out came the favourite recipe books. Flicking through them I was reminded that one of my most loved dishes is a beautiful risotto that is cooked with champagne. Normally I’d serve it as an entree, but for this occasion, I wanted it as a main.

To accompany either side of this dish, I chose to debut a stunning scallop recipe with cauliflower puree and crispy jamon crumbs as entree, and a silky smooth chocolate brulee with vanilla bean ice-cream and orange cointreau sauce. 

Now back to the risotto....

I have to say, with the exception of a few very high end restaurants, that risotto served in most other venues is a flavourless disappointment, and so it’s great when you find a recipe you can make yourself that’s packed full of flavour. This one is made with marscapone for added creaminess, and cooking it with the champagne, then topping with ultra fresh oysters makes it one of the sexiest dinners around.

Adding the champagne definitely adds a lot of theatre to the cooking process, as you watch the bubbles froth up the arborio rice. It’s also an excellent excuse to start drinking the bubbles whilst you stand and lovingly stir the risotto!

I have made this risotto using Chandon NV Sparkling in the past, but on this occasion I thought I’d give the Petaluma Croser NV a try. And it worked beautifully. It’s a true champagne style body of flavour, but not too heavy so it held its own in this dish. 

And to drink it is of course a pleasure – with it’s light golden yellow hue it’s simply happiness in a beautiful crystal flute. It’s also incredibly well priced, so you just can’t go wrong.

Pleased to report my friend loved the entire meal, but her favourite part was the risotto with champagne and oysters! Mission accomplished. 

#champagne #risotto #oysters #friends #ilovechampagne #sparklingwine #birthdaytreats

https://www.petaluma.com.au/our-wines/croser.html

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