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1
To cook the risotto, finely mince the shallot. Heat a pot (I like to use a cast iron pot for my risotto) on high and add some butter and olive oil and turn the heat down to medium high.
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2
Add the shallot to the pot and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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3
Add the Arborio rice to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Stir the rice so it becomes lightly toasted, for about 3-4 minutes.
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4
Turn the heat up to high and add the white wine. Let the wine reduce slightly and season again with salt and pepper.
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5
Start slowly adding the chicken stock by using a ladle. I do not heat my stock before adding it to the risotto, but you may do this if you like. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer. Stir frequently. As each ladleful of the stock is cooked down, add another.
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6
The risotto is done when the rice is al dente, about 20-25 minutes of cooking time. Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon (or more!) of butter, lemon juice, and the parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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7
For the zucchini blossoms, make a batter by whisking the egg and cold water together. Slowly add in the flour while whisking, being careful to remove any lumps.
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8
Dice the mozzarella into large chunks. Very carefully open up the blossoms and stuff the mozzarella inside. The blossoms can hold a lot of cheese and you can stuff with as much or as little as you like. Make sure the cheese is entirely encased in the blossom. Season blossoms with salt and pepper.
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9
Meanwhile, heat 3 inches of oil in a large heavy pot.
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10
Coat flowers in the batter, being careful to let the excess drip off. When the oil has heated to 375 degrees, add the blossoms two at a time. Cook in the oil for about two minutes, turning them over if necessary. They are done when they have turned a nice golden brown.
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11
Remove flowers from the oil and place on a paper towel. Immediately season with salt and pepper. Cook remaining blossoms two at a time.
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12
Plate risotto and sprinkle with fresh basil and more parmesan cheese if desired. Top each dish with 2-3 blossoms and enjoy!
