Comfort Food for the Soul: Bacon and Ham Risotto

I am currently having a rough week and really needed to let loose.  Cooking for me is extremely therapeutic and helps me relax.  I came up with this lovely and tasty risotto comfort food combo this afternoon.  Let me know what you think. :)

Ingredients:

• 3 slices bacon
• 3 small pieces of ham
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup risotto (arborrio rice)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 ounces of bella mushrooms, stems removed and diced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 quart of beef broth (you won't use all of it but pretty close to it)
• 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
• Parsley, a few sprigs for decoration
• EVOO, 2-3 tbsp

What to do:

1. In a medium sauce pan add the EVOO and heat at medium high.  Add the arborrio, onion, bacon, ham, mushrooms, and butter.  Stir continuously until browned.  Browning is important here-you want to get tons of flavor out of the bacon, ham, and onion here. I browned mine for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Now add beef broth, about 1 cup at a time until dissolved.  Then continue to add another cup until the arborrio stops absorbing it. Taste test to make sure the arborrio is tender.  If not, be patient, and keep adding more beef broth until it dissolves.  Stir constantly or it will burn on the bottom. 
3. Once the arborrio is nice and tender, please remove from the heat.  Please add the pepper jack cheese and stir in until creamy and smooth.  
4. Serve in shallow bowls and place 1-2 sprigs on top for decoration. 

Enjoy!

Recipe from: Holly