Bacon Risotto

It is true what they say. Everything IS better with bacon. Based on this principal, I wanted to assemble a recipe that would make risotto better. I have been intimidated for awhile to try risotto. After all, it seems NO ONE can get it right for Gordon Ramsey so what chance did I have?  So I finally decided to try it. For a year or so, it became one of our go to recipes for dinner. A nice change from regular rice. Then, for Chad's birthday last year I wanted to baconfy it. And a family favorite was born. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. I've also posted the recipe on allrecipes.com and it has gotten 9 reviews and FIVE stars!! (toot toot)

Ingredients

1/2 pound bacon, diced
5 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook and stir the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon and reserve.

Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a saucepan over high heat; reduce heat to low to keep the chicken stock hot.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion begins to turn golden brown at the edges, about 2 minutes. Pour in the rice and stir until the rice is coated in butter and has started to toast, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in one-third of the hot chicken stock and continue stirring until the rice has absorbed the liquid and turned creamy. Repeat this process twice more, stirring constantly. Stirring in the broth should take 15 to 20 minutes in all. When finished, the rice should be tender, yet slightly firm.

Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the Parmesan cheese, and the reserved bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.