Fun Monday # 127 Summertime Food

Sayre has come up with an idea to tempt the palate this week, she says:

So what I want from you is a step-by-step guide (pictures encouraged) for making your favorite summertime dish. This can be an entree, a vegetable, a casserole, or a dessert. Hopefully it will be quick and easy so we can spend August playing more and cooking less!

I wasn't sure I would be able to join in this week because I've got visitors. So what I've done is just show today's dinner and a cake I made yesterday.

I can't honestly say that these are favourites because it's the first time I've tried these recipes but I think they might become future favourites, neither are particularly summery.

Mushroom, Bacon and Leek Risotto

25 g (1oz) dried mushrooms (I used fresh)
250g (9oz) dry-cure smoked bacon, rind removed, chopped
3 leeks, chopped
300g (11 oz) Arboria rice
20g (3/4 oz) chives, chopped
25g (1oz) freshly grated Parmesan (plus extra to serve)

Method:
1 Put mushrooms in large bowl pour on 1.4 litre (2 I/2 pints) boiling water (I cooked fresh mushrooms in microwave then added water)
Leave to soak for 10 mins.

2 Meanwhile, fry bacon and leeks in large pan (no ned to add oil)- 7-8 mins until soft and brown.

3 Stir in rice, cook for 1-2 mins, then add the mushrooms and their soaking liquor. Cook at gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 mins until rice is cooked and most liquid has been absorbed.

4 Stir in the chives and grated Parmesan, then sprinkle with extra Parmesan to serve.


Lemon and Orange Cake

I used one of Beccy's recipes for this cake. If anyone likes the look of the picture and would like the recipe just let me know. I can tell you it is very light and the mixture of the orange and lemon drizzled over the top and soaking in gives a perfect flavour.
Sorry this is all very rushed but if I don't get this posted it will soon be Tuesday.

Archives:
2008: Home Grown
2007: Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car