Instructions

  1. Warm chicken broth either on stove or in microwave
  2. Heat 2 Tablespoons butter and oil in large skillet or sauce pan over medium heat
  3. Stir in shallots, cook for 1 minute to soften
  4. Add mushrooms and basil and saute until mushrooms are softened, about 2 minutes
  5. Adjust heat to medium high and add rice, salt and pepper, stirring constantly until rice is just starting to turn golden, 1 or 2 minutes
  6. Add wine and stir until almost completely evaporated
  7. Begin adding chicken broth, about 1/2 cup at a time
  8. After each 1/2 cup addition, stir frequently, until broth is almost evaporated and add the next 1/2 cup
  9. Do the same for each addition of broth, stirring frequently
  10. Begin tasting the rice for doneness during the last two additions of broth for tenderness--it should be al dente-tender with a slight bite to it
  11. If rice is not done after the last addition, continue cooking as above adding another 1/2 cup of broth until done
  12. Remove from heat and stir in remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon zest, cream if using, cheese and cashews
  13. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, remembering that if you are using salted cashews it will add to the saltiness of the dish
  14. Serve immediately
  15. Note: The cream will make it extra creamy