⏰ Service 14 — A Grain-Forward Dinner Party
← Block 13–14: Pasta & Grains from Scratch Overview
The challenge: Grains as the hero — not the side. The project session's dinner could comfortably be served to guests who don't cook, and they would never suspect that every dish was a skills exercise in disguise.
Full Meal:
- Starter: Serious Eats — Whipped Ricotta on Crostini with Honey and Walnuts — a quick, beautiful opener that requires no cooking
- Main: Serious Eats — Saffron Risotto alla Milanese with Serious Eats — Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon-Brown Butter on top — the scallops rest on the risotto as the protein component
- Salad: Serious Eats — Fennel Salad with Blood Orange and Olives — serve alongside or between courses
Skill targets: Risotto at perfect consistency (flows slowly like lava when plated, not stiff). Scallops with a deep, dry sear on each side. Everything on the table at the same time.
🎥 Compare Notes: Risotto alla Milanese con Ossobuco — Italia Squisita — Giancarlo Perbellini's risotto technique at a professional level. Watch his stirring rhythm, when he adds saffron, and the final consistency — risotto should flow like lava when plated.