Pumpkin risotto with goat cheese and basil

I love to eat well and I love when my boyfriends cooks. But sometimes there are those days that when I feel like taking over the kitchen and making something myself. One of the dishes I enjoy cooking is risotto, risotto in all possible variations. Today I am going to share with you a very simple yet quite delicious recipe of pumpkin risotto with goat cheese and basil. I find this combination of sweet pumpkin and salty, slightly melted goat cheese simply delightful. It does not disappoint.

WHAT TO BUY:

- 200gr pumpkin
- 50gr soft goat cheese
- 50gr parmesan cheese
- 1 shallot
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 streaks of rosemarie
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup of Arborio rice (special rice for risotto)
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken stock

HOW TO COOK:

1. Peel and cut the pumpkin into cubes, cook it with 1 tbsp of butter until soft, mash it and set aside. We are going to need this orange mess in a bit.
2. Cut shallots into small cubes and sear it on a low heat with butter, add crushed garlic (this will be taken out later).
3. Add rice and stir it well so that the rice gets covered with butter. Add rosemarie.
4. Add wine and stir until the wine is absorbed almost fully. Keep on stirring.
5. Start adding chicken stock, bit-by-bit, stirring the rice non-stop; letting the stock absorb slowly. Add another bit of stock. Continue until all the stock is finished or the rice is ready. You want it to be 'al dente' and still have a good bite.
6. Turn of the heat and add pumpkin mash. Stir to blend it in completely with rice.
7. Add parmesan cheese.
8. Serve with goat cheese sprinkled on top of the rice with fresh basil to add aroma and color. Season with pepper to taste.

VOILA!

Sissy Boy Kerst Brocant Markt 2014

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you gooooo...
Is it your favourite time of the year too? Regardless how cold it is getting outside  I get warmed up only by the thought of approaching Christmas. For me, Christmas always goes hand-in-hand with all those magic lights that cover the streets and buildings. Each year I find myself mesmerized by Chrismas decorations on Utrecthsestraat in Amsterdam and this year is no exception. I also can't imagine Christmas without Christmas markets. 

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Amsterdam Sample Sales, 29-30 November

Hello my dears! Are you ready for the great weekend filled with awesome sample sales and outlet events? I am counting the hours until I can hit up some of the amazing shopping events coming up in Amsterdam! Here we go, one by one. Does it count as Christmas shopping yet?! Enjoy! XX

1. ZOE KARSSEN Sample Sale. 

Also know as Dutch Queen of t-shirts. Not only t-shirts by the way. I have high hopes for this sample sale to be honest. It is held right in the middle of Amsterdam, so no excuses, hop on your bike and stock up on the goodies! All you need is finding that statement t-shirt or cool sweatshirt with matching pants, this is exactly what I am planning to do. Game on!

When:     28  November, 13:00 - 20:00
              29 November, 10:00 - 15:00
Where:    Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam
Facebook event page: Click here

Zoe Karssen Sample Sale

KARL LAGERFELD Sample Sale

Do we like Karl's bad-ass style? Yes we do! We do! A lot! Having my hopes up for the upcoming sample sale in Amsterdam.

&Other Stories - new store opening in Amsterdam

Hat and scarf, € 35 and €55

It's one of those  things that I love Amsterdam the most for - it keeps on evolving and new places are constantly popping up in this amazing city. This time it is an opening of a first flagship store of &Other Stories -  sister brand of H&M and COS.

GARAGE SALE - SKINS Cosmetics

To me Skins Cosmetics is a like a paradise filled with beauty gems: unique perfumes, skin care products, make up, candles and accessories. Each time I visit one of these stores in Amsterdam - and there are 2: one in the famous 9 Streets and another one at a gorgeous Conservatorium hotel - I spend at a good hour inside.

My Paris Fashion week favourite - Isabel Marant

I cannot keep this to myself! These gorgeous clothes have to be seen, have to be worn, have to be admired! I love every single piece from Isabel's Marant Spring-Summer '15 collection. Fresh from the catwalk and I just can't get enough! I have selected my favourite pieces to share on the blog. Enjoy! XX