Spinach Basil Risotto Cake With Star Anise Carrot Syrup Food

FRUIT SALAD WITH STAR ANISE SYRUP

Steps:

• Prepare the fruit and chill in the fridge.
• Just before serving, in a small saute pan, warm the orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon and star anise and mix well to infuse their flavors. Remove from the heat and chill in the fridge.
• Just before serving, arrange the fruit into shallow dessert bowls, drizzle with the chilled syrup and sprinkle with the extra pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh mint.

RISOTTO CAKES WITH MIXED GREENS

Steps:

• Cook's Note: Click here to get the recipe for Fontina Risotto with Chicken.
• Stir the chives into the chilled risotto. Form into 8 patties, using about 1/4 cup risotto for each. Press a hole in the center of each patty and stuff with a cube of fontina; pat risotto around each hole to cover.
• Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge each risotto cake in the crumbs, turning to coat evenly. Place on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cakes, 2 or 3 at a time, until evenly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain; season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the greens and fennel in a bowl; drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice, season with salt and pepper and toss. Divide the risotto cakes and salad among 4 plates.
• Bring the broth and 4 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan; keep warm.
• Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion; cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the rice and thyme; cook, stirring, until the rice is glossy, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Add 1 teaspoon Kosher salt. Ladle in the hot broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, allowing all of the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
• Remove the thyme. Stir in the parmigiano, the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir in the fontina and chicken. Reserve about 2 cups risotto for Risotto Cakes. Divide the rest among bowls; top with parsley and more fontina.