A Cozy Winter Meal

Whether we wanted it or not, winter has finally arrived. The chilly weather, ice and snow, I don't think anyone is really a fan of any of these things. The only thing to do on a snowy winter evening is to make a warm and comforting meal. I wanted to make something simple that wouldn't tie me down to the stove all evening.
Risotto is one of those things that is so versatile. You can use any type of wine and liquid that you want, put any kind of cheese, protein or vegetable and the possibilities are endless. While in culinary school a teacher recommended trying a risotto with champagne and strawberries, I personally haven't tried it but I believe I'm up to the challenge, what's not to like about champagne and strawberries!
I originally wanted to make a mushroom and gorgonzola risotto which to me sounds delicious, but someone in my household is not the biggest fan of blue cheese so I decided against it. So, I was back to square one, I knew I wanted to use mushrooms, but it needed something more...finally I decided on using crab claw meat, how could you go wrong with mushrooms and crab. I added some parmesan cheese to make it creamy and I have to say that the combination definitely hit the spot on a cold winter evening.

Mushroom and Crab Risotto
 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 small onion diced
1 clove garlic minced
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
1 quart chicken stock
1 pinch saffron threads
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup crab claw meat

1. In a medium saucepan heat stock and saffron thread until heated through, keep warm.
2.In a large saute pan saute onions in 2 Tbsp. butter. Once softened add rice and saute until rice is opaque.
3.Add wine and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Begin adding stock in this same method, about a cup at a time stirring until absorbed before adding the next cup.
4. While rice is cooking saute mushrooms and crab in 2 Tbsp. butter until mushrooms are softened and crab is cooked through. Add this mixture to the rice about halfway through the rice cooking time.
5. When rice is completely cooked add in the parmesan cheese.

This dish is best served immediately, so enjoy right away! This will make enough for 4 generous servings so make sure to invite some friends over!