Basil Pesto Dip and Pumpkin and Spinach Risotto

Dips seem to be big on the hit list at the moment, and what with unexpected guests dropping by and parties to go to, why not?

 I was recently at the corner shop when a woman came rushing in, and wanting to purchase dips and cheeses - the proprietor smiled, and asked - unexpected guests?  Yes, the harried woman replied - we were gardening when the phone call came announcing the visit.  I smiled too (a smug little smile) -  I guess you are wondering why I smiled?  Well I was having the thought - if only this woman had a Thermomix - she wouldn't be spending over $28 at the local shop on crappy dips and cheeses - she would be whipping up a fresh little number in her own kitchen in a few seconds.  Smug aren't I?

True though - it is so easy to make a fresh and tasty dip when you have a Thermomix.  This little dip has been whizzed up a couple of times in the last couple of weeks.  You do not have to have a Thermomix to make this - but it makes it so much easier - just process in your food processor for the same results.

Basil Pesto Dip
From Everyday Cooking for every family

1 large clove of garlic
40g (approx a bunch) of fresh basil
small handful of fresh parsley
160g salted cashews
80g olive oil
2 tbs white wine vinegar
4 tbs parmesan cheese

Place all ingredients into TM bowl and set dial to closed lid position.

Pulse with Turbo button for 5-10 seconds (about 4 pulses) so that you have a rough, but even chopped mixture.

Voila!!! A tasty, easy dip.  I haven't tried it yet - but I think this would probably be really good mixed through hot pasta - and possibly with some prawns as well - just a thought - will have to give it a go a let you know!

While I am on the Thermomix thread just want to share the risotto we had last night.  Mr. CCC and "The Darlings" were out for the night - that just left two of us at home.  Didn't really feel like cooking - so decided to make a risotto in the TM.  Sooooo easy.  Really all I had to do was peel an onion, and a garlic clove.  Chop the pumpkin into cubes - and the TM did all the rest!

Pumpkin and Spinach Risotto
adapted from Everyday Food for every family

Serves 2-3

1 medium onion, pealed, quartered
1 clove garlic
25g olive oil
200g arborio rice
50g white wine
1 1/2 tbs TM vegetable stock concentrate
500g water
1/2 butternut pumpkin, pealed, cubed
100g baby spinach leaves

Grated parmesan cheese to serve

Place the onion and garlic in TM bowl and chop for 2-3 seconds on speed 6-7.

Add oil and saute for 2 minutes at 100C on speed 1 (with the measuring cup off).

Insert the butterfly.  Add the rice and wine into the TM bowl and saute for 2 minutes at 100C on Reverse  + speed soft.

Add stock, pumpkin and water and cook for 17 minutes at 100C on Reverse + speed soft.

Place the spinach leaves in the base of the Thermoserver.  Season the risotto with salt and freshly ground black pepper and pour on top of the spinach in the Thermoserver.  Allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Stir the risotto to incorporate the spinach.

Serve with grated parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

I cannot stress enough how easy making risotto is in the Thermomix.

I know that I am only making really basic recipes with the TM at the moment - but it is kind of like when you learn to drive - you have to start out slowly until you are completely comfortable with the machine - I am itching to try some more exotic recipes - but I am taking it slowly.

Having the TM has made life so easy -  I am finding that I am using it several times a day.  The kids are loving having fresh juices, and I do find that having it on the bench within easy reach I am more inclined to use it more often.  I will whip up bread, pizza bases, and just use it for simple chopping jobs.  I do tend to find that once I use it for the first time I am washing it out several times in a row making something else!!  And yes - it is really easy to clean too!!!

It's like having a helper in the kitchen - it makes it all so simple!!!