EP 1: Frances McDormand and Risotto

Academy Award-Winning Actor and Producer Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Fargo, Olive Kitteridge, Almost Famous) makes asparagus risotto and discusses the creative process fueling her long, badass career.

If you're cooking along while you listen, you'll need the following to make your dish:

Ingredients:
1 bunch asparagus
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 big handfuls chanterelle mushrooms (or morels, porcini, or cultivated mushrooms)
Salt
1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cups short-grained Italian rice (like carnaroli or arborio)
3/4 cup dry white wine
3 - 4 sprigs thyme, leaves picked off stems and chopped
6 cups homemade chicken stock or water (avoid store-bought chicken stock)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Tools:
vegetable peeler
knife
cutting board
stove
big spoon
slotted spoon
ladle
smallish saucepan
skillet
blender
food processor, or mortar and pestle
cheese grater
timer