Marilyn’s Blog

WILD BC SPOT PRAWN FESTIVAL May 9, 2013

 

The Wild BC Spot Prawn season is anticipated to open this year on 9 May 2013. Plans are well underway for several festivals in BC. The Spot Prawn Festivals first began in Vancouver, an initiative of the Chefs’ Table Society (www.chefstablesociety.com) and have grown in popularity from 200 foodies sampling this marine delicacy to over 1100 people last year at False Creek Fisherman’s Wharf, close to Granville Island. This year’s Festival is expected to be equally as popular, with more opportunities in BC to celebrate the season.

 

The Vancouver Spot Prawn Festival will kick off the season. Festivals are planned in Cowichan Bay, Powell River and Ottawa. Dates and locations will be posted as soon as available.

http://www.wildbcspotprawns.com

 

Wild_BC_Spot_Prawn_Mascarpone_and_Spring_Pea_Risotto

 

RECIPE: Wild BC Spot Prawn Mascarpone and Spring Pea Risotto
By: Chef Chris Whittaker from O’Doul’s Restaurant
Featured on CTV News at Noon with CTV’s Keri Adams

Serves 6 people

2 litres fish or spot prawn stock
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, peeled, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic finely minced
2 cups arborio rice
1 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, juice and zest
4 tbsp mascarpone
2 tbsp unsalted butter
24 Spot prawn tails cut into ½ inch pieces
¾ cup blanched spring peas
Salt and white pepper

Bring the stock to a simmer in a medium-sized pan. In a separate, low-sided pan, melt the butter with olive oil over a fairly low heat.
Once the butter has melted, add onion and garlic and cook till soft, then add the rice and stir well so it is coated with the butter and olive oil. Turn up the heat slightly, add the wine and let it evaporate almost completely. Add a ladle of stock, stirring gently.
Once one ladle has been absorbed, add further ladles, ensuring all the time that the rice is just covered by the liquid. Cook for 18-20 minutes, then remove from the heat and taste. It should be soft but not mushy, with a gentle bite.
Stir in the prawn pieces, mascarpone, seasoning, lemon juice, lemon zest and the peas and cover and let stand for one minute.
Serve and enjoy!

http://www.wildbcspotprawns.com/recipes