Recipes: Lemon and Rocket Risotto

Last Sunday evening I found myself with a little more spare time than usual, and a fancy to be creative in the kitchen. Low and behold my first attempt at making Risotto. I fell in love with the dish about a year ago, at a nearby Italian restaurant - and now rarely mediate away from that main when I revisit. Although it was mushroom risotto I originally tried, for my first risotto creation I opted for a lemon and rocket recipe - perfectly fresh and zingy for a hot summer night.

Ingredients (serves four):

Juice and zest of two lemons
Salt and freshly ground pepper
125g butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 garlic clove (crushed)
300g risotto rice
150ml white wine
750ml chicken stock
200g wild rocket
50g grated parmesan

Directions:

Heat 50g of the butter and olive oil in a pan, add the onion, garlic and lemon zest. Cook over a medium heat until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat in the onion and butter. After two minutes, when the pan is almost dry, add the wine and allow to boil for two minute, stirring constantly.

Add all the stock (a little at a time) and then the remaining butter, lemon juice, rocket and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

A new role for Ms Paltrow

I never used to be a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, but over the last few years I've found myself somewhat in awe of her.

She first captured my attention when she arrived at the Iron Man premiere with newly bobbed hair, sporting a rather short black lacy Balmain dress and particularly high heels. This was not the type of attire we were used to seeing Ms Paltrow in.

Gwyn had always been one for the 'comfort-not-glamour' school; opting for androgynous blazers, plain shirt dresses and even vest tops on the red carpet. She had never been a style icon.

Bring of the Gwyn of 2008. What was so brilliant about the outfits of that year was Gwyn's ability to mix a hint of fun and originality with a real understanding of her own personal style, age and shape. Not once in the star's attempt to glamorise her wardrobe did she dress too young for her age, never did she appear uncomfortable or outlandish in her choices. Yet, the outfits were always a little suggestive and surprisingly on-trend.

This was honestly the first occasion I began to take more notice of the actress (despite always having enjoyed her films). But put that to one side, and she keeps on impressing. For a start, who knew this girl could sing? One word: Glee. And now, she's released her very own cook book Notes From my Kitchen Table.

I've recently become a little obsessed with cookbooks - I'm trying to teach myself to cook and some cookbooks are just beautiful to look at. I have a feeling Gwyneth's will be one of these. So I'm very keen to get my hands on a copy.

I've heard impressive reviews, suggesting the book is compulsive reading and that Gwyn has earned herself a reputation as a formidable foodie. So I'm keen to get my hands on a copy. In particular I'm looking forward to trying the tuna and ginger burgers, fudge chocolate brownies and crispy potato and garlic cake!