So, if you’ve been around this blog (or on the Internet in general) for more than half a second, I think you just might be familiar with the work of art that is my dear friend Stephanie’s i am a food blog. It’s got awards galore under its belt; it’s home to my favorite Sunday reading. It’s always got something unbelievably cute and mini, or else it’s swoon-worthy melting and cheesy (or cute, mini, and melting-cheesy), and no matter what her latest post is, it’s always delicious, and always as stunning as it is delicious.
Long story short, Stephanie’s created one of my favorite places on the web — and now the best news is that she’s morphed it into a cookbook that’s every bit as wonderful! I’m in awe of this book. It’s 99 flawless recipes, each with their own endearing, catch-up-over-coffee anecdotes, vibrant photos, and their own graphics. And every page, cover to cover, is designed by Steph herself. I read it on the subway home from work last week, and one stop from home, I looked up to find both my seat-neighbors craning over my shoulders to read it, too. It’s that great.
If you read Stephanie’s blog, you’ll know that she’s not just one of the most talented bloggers around — she’s also one of the most cheerful, genuine, and caring people I’ve had the honor of calling a friend. (Not to mention the humblest!) The best part about Easy Gourmet is that that fun-loving, approachable personality shines through in every page. For every recipe that breathes new life into an old classic with joyful, Stephanie-esque spirit, there’s a recipe that makes an otherwise intimidating technique seem accessible, fun, and inviting thanks to her guiding words.
For me, risotto was the latter, and I knew instantly that if I ever successfully made it, it’d be with Steph as my guide. Sure enough, Stephanie’s easy-going, friendly instructions led me straight into these plates of savory, comforting, Italian goodness. One bite took me straight back to the first revelatory taste of risotto I ever had, and if I didn’t see my own hands make it in front of my eyes, I might not have believed it was me. So good.
In a book that’s all about the easy, Steph has done what is, in a lot of ways, most difficult — she’s put a finger on the real, the wholesome, the crave-worthy food that’s accessible yet fantastic (or, should we say, easy yet gourmet?!) I’m in love with it, and I have no doubt you will be, too.
Courtesy of Page Street Publishing, I’m giving away one copy of Easy Gourmet: Awesome Recipes Anyone Can Cook! To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment below telling me a kitchen skill or special dish you’ve been meaning to conquer. Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents, and ends next Tuesday, September 30th at 11:59 PM EST!
The giveaway has closed! Big yays for Lily Sheng! Look out for an email with more details. I hope you adore Stephanie’s new book.
Pea & Bacon Risotto, from Easy Gourmet!
Ingredients
- 4 1⁄2 cups (1 l) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
- 1 tsp (5 ml) oil
- 1 cup (228 g) arborio rice
- 1⁄2 small onion, diced
- 1⁄2 cup (64 g) frozen peas, thawed
- 4 slices cooked thick-cut bacon, in 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces
- 1⁄4 cup (45 g) freshly grated parmesan
Instructions
- In a medium stockpot, heat the stock to a gentle simmer.
- Melt the butter with the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, 1-2 minutes. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the rice. Toast the rice, about 3-4 minutes, until slightly translucent.
- Turn the heat down to medium and add a ladle of hot stock. Stir into the rice until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Continue stirring and adding hot stock as the rice absorbs it. Taste after about 15 minutes. If the rice is soft but with a bit of bite, it’s ready. If still uncooked, continue adding stock a ladle at a time. When done, remove from the heat and stir in the peas, bacon and cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
I served my risotto with crispy prosciutto and a drizzle of chive oil to finish. I used prosciutto only because I’ve been dying to try crispy fried prosciutto — of course, nothing beats thick-cut bacon.
Lauren Phegley
Hello, I have always wanted to conquer making homemade bread! 🙂
marisastewart
You had me at prosciutto! As an Italian I could eat the stuff morning, noon and night. I will definitely go see Stephanie and tell her you sent me over — do you think it’s too early?? I wouldn’t want to wake her up 🙂
Sue
I would LOVE to conquer making my own yogurt! I eat so much yogurt weekly, but the thought of making it is daunting.
Kristen
I still haven’t tried making homemade croissants and it’s absolutely on my to-do list!
Emily
I would love to conquer making my own pasta
Anonymous
Pies. I don’t know why they’re so daunting, but there are just so many conflicting crust-making instructions.
Christina
i’ve been meaning to make souffles!
Cate
This risotto looks delicious! I’ve been working on conquering macarons. Making the cookie shells has been a bit rough so far, but the upside of all the failed attempts is that I then get to eat the filling for breakfast with yogurt. Or just with a spoon!
Patricia Scarpin
I am pretty sure I discovered Stephanie’s blog through you, so thanks a bunch! <3
That risotto is making me hungry and it's only 10 am around here! I love the crispy prosciutto on top of the rice – it looks both beautiful and yummy!
Meghan
Poaching eggs! I feel sure I’ll come out the other end with egg soup if I don’t do it juuuuust so.
Melissa
I’ve been putting off making macarons. I’ve always wanted to try them but they scare me. Also homemade marshmallows.
Kristin
This looks so delicious! I’ve been wanting to try fancy pastries, the braided kind, especially. I’ve made some pastries before, but only simple ones. I want them to rival the beautiful ones I pass every day to work!
Sonya
I’m a little sad to admit that I’ve never made my own pie crust. :0/
Marley Sanderson
Panna cotta!
Lindsey
yay yay yay! i just purchased a copy of steph’s book, and it is so so gorgeous – and those photos! so big and beautiful 🙂
i love your setup here, and the coziness it inspires! totally lovely, cynthia!
Amanda Paa (@amanda_paa)
I have been meaning to conquer the art of a lattice top pie. This fall, it’s happening! Would love to win this book.
grenobloise
Wow I must made this ASAP! It looks divine. Too bad you don’t ship to France…I would love to get my hands on this book! Does the author ship to France? I’ll add my piece anyway:
1.) I would really like to know how to make Gratin Dauphinois. It’s one of the most classic dishes from the French Alpine region I live in. It’s such a fabulous side dish — and you should see the look on people’s faces when this comes out of the oven! It’s like a big warm hug — even better than mashed potatoes (what I grew up with) IMO. I’d like to conquer the classic version and also to conquer a new version using sweet potatoes instead of classic potatoes (a side dish available at a restaurant down my street – inspired by the USA). C’est trop bon !
2.) I’d also like to make japchae (using your recipe!). I’ve made bulgogi, various kimbaps, kimchi pancakes and bibimbap but I’d love to make japchae…if I can find dangmyeon in South East France! ><
~and both these recipes are gluten-free so all the better!~
P.S. I love your blog (found it via your awesome photos on Instagram) and I LOVE Korean food (my 1st roommate was Korean and I lived a few streets down from Korea Town, NYC…so I had kimbap, kimchi (I now make my own!), japchae and (so much more!) pretty much everyday for 5 years…and ate often at NYC's Woorijip and KoFoo). I started cookig Korean food when moving to the French Alps as it's not available here. It's getting cooler outside so soon I'll be making mandu soup and kimchi jjigae! <3
Felicity
I’ve always wanted to make the perfect pho broth. The kind that Vietnamese ladies cook for their families every day. I think once you can master a pho broth, you can master anything.
Cate @ Chez CateyLou
I’ve been meaning to master Macarons! Your risotto is gorgeous – you nailed it! And what a great giveaway in support of an amazing book!! Hope you are doing well!
Millie | Add A Little
Looks amazing Cynthia – CHIVE OIL OMG!!!!!
Also, sooo want to try making my own stock!
Rebecca
Carmelizing onions
Pam
Growing up in a restaurant, I always used industrial kitchen appliances. Not sure if I’m just a bad cook these days, but I can’t seem to master my home’s electric stove. Luckily, risotto is something that turns out great no matter what.
Lauren Mcginnis
Eggs benedict is a weakness of mine and I’ve been wanting to make it at home but I’ve been so afraid of the poached eggs & hollandaise sauce! I’m determined to conquer my fears and try it this year.
LisaH
It has to be a pie. Pie crust scares me, I feel like you’ve got one shot, ONE, to roll it out just right.
cakeoversteak
Haha, I love that image of you reading her book on the subway while your neighbors read over your shoulder. Stephanie’s book IS fantastic, and I have it on my nightstand right now, where it makes me hungry every night before I go to bed. Lovely post as always, girl! xoxo
Carrie M
Ricotta
Susanj
Cassoulet… I made once over three days, but subsequently lost the recipe. Nothing I’ve made since has compared!
jaime // the briny
your photos are so poetic and beautiful. and yay for Stephanie’s book!
I want to conquer a gluten-free pan bread (similar to navajo slap bread, the non-friend variety). hearty enough to tear off chunks for food-scooping, but still puffy and tender. test recipes have been super fail so far!
sundiegoeats
I have tried so many risotto recipes and still have not found ‘the one’. Will have to bookmark this for the next time I attempt it 🙂
david c
Gotta love risotto! but why does it cost so much at restaurants when it’s mostly rice?!
carmen chan
Making my own croissants!
janice
This looks so lovely! I’ve been meaning to try my hand at paella again. The first and last time my sister and I tried to make it at home was a disaster. But it may have also been an altitude problem cause we were in Colorado.
thatumamilife
This looks like an awesome cookbook! I’m so entering the contest!
The kitchen skill I want to conquer is stuffing and baking a whole chicken. Having recently rediscovered the deliciousness of homemade chicken, I dream of making a gochujang-based sauce, roasting it up, and eating the whole bird over the week for lunch and dinner!
Jordan Leigh
Ah risotto has always been so intimidating to me! I would always see a recipe and think “nope. nuh uh. next. can’t do it” but no more! I will conquer this dish! Along with my fear of homemade sushi. Something about that rolling just sends shivers down my spine.
ellie | fit for the soul
This looks so marvelous and incredibly cozy~~~and comforting, mmmm. One thing I want to master is Indian food, but I gotta go and buy all the whole spices specifically! Someday… 😛
turtlewexler
I would love to conquer pastry cream!
Heather
I’ve made many pies in my time, but never the “perfect pie.” Sometimes a crust droops, sometimes the fruit inside droops too much and leaves a gap between top crust and filling… Always delicious, but seeking perfection!
dani
Porchetta. That huge mound of fatty porcine delight. Someday.
Lori
I would love to make croissants at home, but the whole process just scares me.
Neena
My new food skill is spiralizing! I realize that I am very very late to the party, but I’m making up for lost time now!
Bradley Meilinger
I want to get better at cooking peasant food. Sounds sarcastic, but I’m serious. I’ve got bread down, but I need to master the art of stews and the like; I’m more of a project person and I’d like to become more of a cook.
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
This looks so amazing!! And your photos are soooo beautiful. Love them so much! I’m a huge fan of Stephanie as well! 🙂 Love her style, design sense, and recipes!
Katie
Deep Frying
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
I absolutely adore Stephanie’s blog! She is amazing! I really want to master cooking whole fish.
Emily
Two things I have been meaning to conquer are making cheese and yogurt at home. This risotto looks lovely!
Katie
Poached eggs! (Yes, you may laugh at me.)
P.S. Both your blogs are mesmerizing.
Meghan
This looks so, so dreamy! And your styling is absolutely flawless, as usual. A skill I’d like to master in the kitchen would be (you can laugh) using a can opener. Every time I attempt, I end up with beans splattered all over the wall. As far as recipes go, I’d love to learn how to cook with wines.
christina loucas (@afroditeskitche)
Looks absolutely delicious – I am such a HUGE fan of risotto and this looks perfect. Gorgeous photos Cynthia as always! And congrats to Stephanie on a wonderful book! xxxx
Valentina @Hortus
Love to see people’s takes on other blogger’s recipe! Both you and Steph are amazing, obviously. Pea and crispy prosciutto is such a classic combo! I think Prosciutto is still best in its raw form when you can get good quality one. I’ll put my hands on that book too 🙂
Anna Wang
It sounds simple but I just want to master all the homemade Chinese dishes that my mother is so amazing – and I am so mediocre – at cooking. Pork dumplings from scratch, beef noodles with broth, scallion pancakes, all taste better when my mom makes them.
Rachel
sounds so yummy! x
http://rachelcoco.blogspot.co.uk
Bec Thexton
What a lovely post, recipe, photo styling and kind words you have to say. I couldn’t agree any more! (and now I am craving risotto!)
A skill I am yet to master in my kitchen is dough/bread making. The smell of freshly baked bread (that rises properly) is one of the homliest ever and I.can’t.damn.do.it! I need to master making a mean sourdough loaf to go with my sunday brunches inspired by Stephanie and yourself.
Bec xo
Lisal
Tender scones and fluffy biscuits have always eluded me! I’m a good cook andd I love to bake – but I still haven’t mastered those two “simple” treats.
kristie@birchandwild
Wow, you have done the book justice with your wonderful tribute. Your photos are just so beautiful! And this risotto looks incredible. I can’t wait to own the book!
Valerie
Oh, I have never heard of Stephanie’s blog but I believe I will be a fan!! (Thanks for the intro!!) 😀
This risotto is a feast for the eyes; gorgeous yums!!! Actually, risotto is a dish I have been *trying* to perfect. My attempts always yield watery mush or errant awkward crunchies. *grrr*
Joy
I have been meaning to practice making pastries!
Madeline
I’ve been wanting to bake a homemade baguette for the longest time. Maybe now that it’s almost winter, maybe I will get that oven going….
alanafixfeastflair
As always, these photos are stunning! I pretty much want to try my hand at almost all the recipes in Stephanie’s book. On another note, you are such an amazing writer!! While I will be the first to say that I am not an eloquent writer or speaker, I will tell you that you inspire me to push myself to articulate my thoughts more clearly and tell a better story. Thank you!!
Katie @ Butterlust
MMMmmmMmmm risotto is the ultimate comfort food and of course, you’ve captured it beautifully. I’ve been meaning to master fried donuts — I’m permanently scarred from a dough frying incident that took place years ago, but I think it’s time to break out the oil and try again!
Shannon Morris @ Girl's Guide to Meat
Crispy prosciutto is ALWAYS a good idea. I like it on with a fried egg, on pasta or just eaten out of hand. So I’ve been dying to try sausage making! I got the meat grinder Kitchen Aid attachment for a wedding present, so I’m halfway there, right?
Cindy Chen
brioche bread!
ellie
I’ve been meaning to start my sourdough project but for some reason I still haven’t…
StaceyTannheimer
There is a hand rolled pasta from Tuscany I’ve been wanting to master called pici.
Pang @ circahappy
You are so right Stephanie is truly talented, and I, too, do love her blog. I am out of town, but am determine to buy this book as soon as I am home in SF; I can’t wait to see all her recipes, photos and her design on the book.
Having said that, I truly love your photos on this post as well. I have never been able to shoot risotto as beautiful as yours, so I am drooling over this post.
About the give away, I would love to be able to pick the right red wine to cook for the french dish. It was so frustrated when a french recipe called for “red wine,” but did not tell me what kind of red wine.. ahhhhhhh 🙂
Mel
I LOVE risotto! I want to try making my own Kombucha!
Abby
I need to bite the bullet and roast a chicken!
kristan
This post makes me happy for so many reasons! These risotto is calling my name! so so beautiful!!
holly
i want to conquer the perfect chicken wing!
Lindsey
As always, your photos are stunning.
Pate a choux. I’ve made plans on many a weekend to take it on, but I keep shying away from it.
Susan
Thank you! I would love to be able to master and prepare a complete special meal where everything is ready at the same time.
Rachel Taylor
Making croissants.
Nicole
I’ve really been wanting to make my own sourdough bread. I’m terrified I’ll kill my starter
Lily Sheng
Something I’ve been meaning to conquer is Morning Buns (or sugar buns). I’ve done my own made-up, cheapy-quick version of cutting sheets of Puff Pastry (store brought) with sheets of Pillsbury Crescent Roll doughs and then rolling it out hoping layers will be created, but it just won’t cut it! Some things in life just don’t have shortcuts. And my fear of buttery, flaky dough is enough to have kept me from making it from scratch all these years…. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sarah O.
I’ve been wanting to conquer fresh pasta and fresh gnocchi!
cococakeland
these photos. holy LORDY they are making me extremely hungry. i’ve been away for a month and in that time my copy of easy gourmet has been delivered at my house… so i am DYING to finally get my chinese paws on it!!! i’ve never made a holiday turkey. so that’s something i want to conquer… however, don’t enter me in the draw as i’ve already got a copy! ^__^ your are so sweet cynthia, the words you speak about steph are SO true! i hope to meet you in person one day, too! xoxo
Nancy @ gottagetbaked
Amazing job with the risotto, Cynthia! I’ve never made it because I’m too intimidated so in answer to your question, one dish that I want to master is risotto. Everyone who has a copy of this book is raving about it. Steph’s blog is so kick ass that I’m not surprised her book is awesome.
Conway
I would like to conquer making my own pizza from scratch!
Sara
I want to learn to take apart a whole chicken! The photos in this post are absolutely gorgeous. That tablecloth and the whole scene is just so inviting.
Anna
working on lox right now. tough to smoke without drying it out
Kelsi
I’ve always wanted to try to make french macarons!!
Sini | My Blue&White Kitchen
I’m so excited to hold this book in my hands; it should wait for me back home. This risotto sounds luscious and your pics really do it justice, Cynthia! xo
Meg | bread + barrow
I can not wait to get my hands on this cook book! I love Stephanie’s blog – and her recipes are so inspiring. I have never had risotto (how, I am not sure…) but I will be making this version as soon as I can. Beautiful job, Cynthia!
erika
GIRL. That’s exactly how I felt about Steph’s cookbook, and about her miso-glazed cod after I made it. I couldn’t believe I’d made such an amazingly tasty fish!! She really is a goddess with her simple, yet SUPER flavorful and easy recipes!!! Your rendition of this risotto is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, as always, along with your eternally endless eloquence. FAB POST!!!!!!!!
Graham @ Glazed & Confused
Steph’s blog kills me. So crazy beautiful and everything looks so delicious. I need this in my life asap!
Risotto looks so delish! <3
Haruka
Cynthia, I just wanted to say — I truly admire how you uplift and encourage those around you! Just coming home from dinner with you and I am ELATED. Stephanie — and myself — are so very lucky to call you a friend.
And OMG RISOTTO!
jessicaisbaking
poaching eggs!!
cori
I want to master french fries. So simple but for some reason I can’t get them right
theclevercarrot
Oh, I could so get into a bowl of this right now… I’ll even eat it cold. Gorgeous shots!
The skill I want to conquer most is killer NY style pizza dough at home. I’ve tried it a gazillion times but can’t get it right 🙁
Heather Gummo
I would love to learn how to make tortillas! I just had some homemade ones and they were incredible. So much better than store bought.
Hudson Valley Kathleen
Just found your blog-I am liking it a lot right off the bat. Food thoughts rule my days and nights so I always have my head in a food mag., or I am watching. TV food shows. Yesterday most of my family and I went to a yearly garlic festival. Wowee! Keep writing; I will keep reading. Hudson Valley Kathleen
Lydia
i want to conquer pie crust. my grandmother was an amazing pie baker, and one of my great regrets is missing out on her teaching me how to make crust.
Saniel
Spouting
Fermentation of foods komboca, beets, kimchi
Making homemade pasta no egg
Perfect biscuit
Thanks
ame
I am definitely trying this out soon! This reminds me of another rice dish – I want to learn how to make a perfect Indian Biriyani.
Jennifer B
Here’s to hoping I win! I would like to conquer butchering in some capacity. I can’t even separate a rotisserie chicken right. It always looks mangled. Whoops.
jenchilee
i want to master chicken breast! maybe it’s basic, but to be able to consistently bake, roast, pan-fry, or poach chicken breasts so that they’re moist and flavorful would really be great!
Cecilia
I can’t make tortillas 🙁 My grandmother was an amazing tortilla maker. She would make them so thin and we would eat them before she could get them in the warmer. I have tried and it’s harder than it looks.
Ice at foolproofliving.com
Her blog is one of my favorite too and this dish looks yummy!
I guess I would love to learn making tamales one day.
Beautiful and mouth watering photography.. as usual. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway Cynthia.
Cheers!
inesns
I hope to soon conquer the great Baked Alaska! It’s been on my food to-do list for years.
Shikha la mode
Awww, it’s so easy to see how much of a good friend you are – what a glowing review! I hope I can try some of the recipes soon! While I do a lot of desserts, yeast desserts freak me out and so I never bake with yeast! I want to get better at it.
Ebony Goh | abcdebony
I hope to conquer the skill of tempering chocolate! It’s always been a daunting thing to do for me but I hope that one day I’ll muster enough courage to tackle this skill ( :
On a side note, I absolutely adore bothStephanie’s and your blog – recipes, photography and all!
Keep up the lovely work you two!
Meghan
I’ve been wanting to try making my own mozzarella! One of these days…
Christina
I wish I could DIY some pasta!
Autumn Wood
Hi I’ve wanted to conquer the perfect creme brûlée!
Kate Ramos (@holajalapeno)
Oh man this looks so good—and easy! We have an anniversary dinner coming up and I just might have to make this a centerpiece!