Risotto & Beyond – Ruffoni Risotto Pot Set

My heart raced when I first read the title of John Coletta’s book, Risotto and Beyond: 100 Authentic Italian Rice Recipes for Antipasti, Soups, Salads, Risotti, One-Dish Meals, and Desserts. Risotto is Italian comfort food at its finest and to be able to make a great risotto is a gift and one that I have mastered over the last few years.

This versatile dish is a favorite in our house and I am always looking for new flavor combinations to try. A great Italian cookbook is always something I can appreciate, so to sum it up this book had me at the title and won me over with the recipes and photographs within.

John Coletta is the acclaimed chef of Chicago’s Quartino Ristorante. Under John’s leadership this restaurant has been the recipient of many awards and distinctions. Risotto and Beyond is his second title. In 2009, he published 250 True Italian Pasta Dishes: Easy and Authentic Recipes with Robert Rose. If you are in the Chicago area, the chef has a few events at Read It and Eat.

Risotto and Beyond focuses on the art of rice cookery with 100 recipes that include the usual suspects – arancini, crochettes, risotti and rice puddings. Offered as well are some more unfamiliar applications – rice salads, soups, fritters, bracioli and gelatos. This is more than a collection of recipes – it is a repository of Italian rice-cookery that delivers the full brunt of John’s knowledge on all things Italian. 

The first 23 pages covers the history and varieties of Italian rice alongside guidelines and equipment recommendations as well as how to stock an Italian pantry and a few tips on Italian wine. What follows are chapters on Antipasti, Rice Soups, Rice Salads, Risotti, One-Dish Meals and ends with Rice Desserts. Gorgeous photography by Stephen DeVries bring the dishes to life and reflects the soothing comfort that Italian food represents.  

Our  will give you a closer look inside of this beautiful title and our   shares the following recipes:

Recently, I made the Risotto with Gorgonzola, Apples, and Walnuts using the Ruffoni Hand-Hammered Historia Copper Chef’s Pan with Wood Spoon (right now Williams-Sonoma has 20% off all Ruffoni cookware using the code FRIENDS). This pot is not only stunning but in some magical way it makes standing and stirring the rice into creamy deliciousness seem like less of a chore.

Ruffoni’s pots are made in Italy and crafted of hand-hammered copper for excellent heat conductivity. The risotto pot has a four-quart capacity and its interior is lined with durable nonreactive tin. The wide curved base ensures the steady absorption of broth, and the rounded bottom eases stirring (less of a chore). As with all their pieces, the riveted brass handle has a sculpted finial and on the risotto pot it is an acorn. Included with the pot is a cherry wood risotto spoon with the traditional circular opening that encourages a creamy consistency. Photos showing the manufacture of the pots taken from Ruffoni’s website. 

Another piece that I tested is this Ruffoni Historia Copper Gratin Pan with Acorn Handles. When I brought this baked pasta dish to the table, our guests were impressed and stated that it made them feel special for me to take such care with the meal and the presentation. Of course, you can create a meal in something less beautiful, but life is too short and if gorgeous copper filled with Italian deliciousness makes you happy, as it does me, go for it! And remember Williams-Sonoma has 20% off all Ruffoni cookware right now. 

John Coletta was gracious to share some photos that he took when he toured Ruffoni in Italy. Thank you, John for allowing me to use these photos in this article. I now know I need a stand for my Zabaglione pot!

Special thanks to the publisher, Rizzoli, for sharing the material for our

Many thanks to the publisher for supplying the material for our as well as for providing three copies of Risotto & Beyond in our giveaway below and to Ruffoni for providing one Ruffoni Hand-Hammered Historia Copper Chef’s Pan with Wood Spoon for a grand prize winner. (US only)

The publisher, Rizzoli, is offering three copies of Risotto & Beyond in our giveaway below and Ruffoni is providing one Ruffoni Hand-Hammered Historia Copper Chef’s Pan with Wood Spoon to a grand prize winner. This contest is only open to EYB Members in the US. One of the entry options is to answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post.

Which recipe in the index would you try first?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won’t be counted. For more information on this process, please see our step-by-step help post. Be sure to check your spam filters to receive our email notifications. Prizes can take up to 6 weeks to arrive from the publishers. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on May 29th, 2018.

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156 Comments

  • southerncooker  on  April 19, 2018

    I saw several reicpes I'd love to try but I love risotto so I think I would use that lovely pot and make Risotto with shrimp, zucchini, and sun-dried tomatoes or one of the other lovely sounding risottos for my first recipe.

  • Kristjudy  on  April 19, 2018

    Rice frittata with mushrooms

  • rchesser  on  April 19, 2018

    Risotto Amatrice style with aged pecorino (Rissotto all'Amatriciana mantecato con pecorino stagionato).

  • laureljean  on  April 19, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash (Risotto alla zucca)

  • ravensfan  on  April 19, 2018

    Risotto with asparagus and Taleggio (Risotto agli asparagi e Taleggio)

  • kroshey  on  April 19, 2018

    Rice frittata with spinach and parmeigiano reggiano.

  • HelenB  on  April 19, 2018

    Zucchini rolls filled with rice and walnuts. Sounds really interesting.

  • lebarron2001  on  April 19, 2018

    Venetian seafood risotto (Risotto al frutti di mare alla Veneziana)

  • jaburg  on  April 19, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash

  • jluvs2bake  on  April 19, 2018

    Baked gratin of rice with four cheeses (Gratinato di riso al quattro formaggi)

  • MadMom  on  April 19, 2018

    I think I would try Arancini…but all the risotto looks nice, too!

  • amyz218  on  April 19, 2018

    Risotto with asparagus and Taleggio

  • RNJessicaK  on  April 19, 2018

    The Risotto with Gorgonzola, Apples, and Walnuts sounds amazing!!

  • FaithB  on  April 19, 2018

    I'd love to make the frittata (omelette) with scamorza cheese, potato, and rosemary.

  • topdawg11  on  April 19, 2018

    Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley

  • Maefleur  on  April 19, 2018

    The seafood risotto!

  • mjes  on  April 19, 2018

    Caramel rice pudding with cantaloupe (Budino di riso al caramello con melone) sounds like fun today …

  • jigglesfrog  on  April 19, 2018

    rice croquettes with four cheeses

  • catmommy9  on  April 19, 2018

    The rice tart with prosciutto looks good.

  • matag  on  April 19, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash

  • nesshawk  on  April 19, 2018

    risotto is one of my FAVES so very hard to choose… but I'd start with Rice from Vercelli with lardo, red wine, borlotti beans, and dried salami

  • lauriesk  on  April 19, 2018

    Artichokes with lemon and thyme risotto

  • Tanner14  on  April 19, 2018

    Can't wait to try Venetian seafood risotto (Risotto al frutti di mare alla Veneziana). That pot is stunning!

  • Karla123  on  April 19, 2018

    Risotto with arugula pesto, lemon, and pine nuts…love the fresh flavors in the dish.

  • ebs  on  April 19, 2018

    Rice frittata with spinach and Parmigano Reggiano

  • dbielick  on  April 19, 2018

    Sicilian arancini

  • Eclauser  on  April 20, 2018

    Suppini a la telefono

  • sarahawker  on  April 20, 2018

    Zucchini rolls filled with rice and walnuts (Rotolini di zucchine al riso e noci)

  • amylou61  on  April 20, 2018

    I'd try the Baked Risotto

  • Chezmark  on  April 20, 2018

    Sure, make me choose. I actually went through the index, and kept thinking “ooh, that one would be first,” then I would scroll a little more and change my mind!

    But, the recipe that jumped out sounded delicious and unusual, so I am going with Orata con riso di verdure al cartoccio (Sea bream and vegetable risotto in parchment paper packets).

  • JRumi  on  April 20, 2018

    Tuscan Vegetable and rice soup

  • vickster  on  April 20, 2018

    Rice Tart with Prosciutto

  • kgmom  on  April 20, 2018

    Love, love, love risotto!

  • contest718  on  April 20, 2018

    Deep-frying zucchini blossoms & Risotto Amatrice style with aged pecorino

  • RBJ  on  April 20, 2018

    Rice Soup with soft poached egg. I sounds like a warm blanket for a cool Spring day.

  • kkhammer123  on  April 20, 2018

    Artichokes with lemon and thyme risotto

  • lean1  on  April 20, 2018

    Warm rice salad with Chicken spinach and mushrooms sounds great!

  • jezpurr  on  April 20, 2018

    I'd try Chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto and spinach pesto risotto (Petto di pollo ripiene con prosciutto crudo e riso al pesto di spinaci)!!!^_^

  • Whyvette  on  April 20, 2018

    I'd try the arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley.

  • debgonewest  on  April 20, 2018

    Zucchini blossoms filled with rice, fresh peas, and mint – should get my little ones to explore Italian food by eating flowers, sounds delicious!

  • kmn4  on  April 20, 2018

    Rice tart with salted cod (Tortino di riso con il baccalà)

  • mpdeb98  on  April 20, 2018

    Rice croquettes with arugula and pancetta

  • Laura64  on  April 20, 2018

    Risotto with Sea scallops and peas

  • sallansd  on  April 20, 2018

    Rice croquettes with tomato and basil (Crocchette di riso al pomodoro e basilico)

  • Coffeebean  on  April 20, 2018

    Baked risotto

  • Jmolaei  on  April 20, 2018

    https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/1949119/rice-crostini-with-fresh-ricotta Heard this described on The Feed podcast. Sounds wonderful!

  • t.t  on  April 20, 2018

    Eggplant Parmesan bundles filled with rice and fennel (Involtini di melanzane al riso e finocchio)

  • jmay42066  on  April 20, 2018

    Rice frittata with spinach and Parmigano Reggiano

  • kristinagiuliani  on  April 20, 2018

    rice croquettes with four cheeses…mmm!!

  • threefourpfeif  on  April 20, 2018

    Rice frittata with fresh mushrooms (Frittata di riso al funghi)

  • honken  on  April 20, 2018

    risotto-with-tomato-pesto-and mozzarella

  • BMeyer  on  April 20, 2018

    GRATIN OF RICE WITH 4 CHEESES

  • rosiekitty  on  April 20, 2018

    Artichokes with lemon and thyme risotto. Or the Arancini.

  • sequoia55  on  April 20, 2018

    Baked risotto

  • Julia  on  April 21, 2018

    Venetian seafood risotto

  • dknight54  on  April 21, 2018

    no-stir-stovetop-risotto

  • PeavineBlues  on  April 21, 2018

    Black risotto with seafood

  • finnsmom64  on  April 21, 2018

    Risotto with arugula pesto, lemon, and pine nut

  • cjross  on  April 21, 2018

    Zucchini rolls filled with rice and walnuts

  • celestin  on  April 21, 2018

    I would love to try the Rice croquettes with tomato and basil (Crocchette di riso al pomodoro e basilico) first.

  • infotrop  on  April 21, 2018

    Risotto with beets and Castelmagno… a favorite vegetable with a favorite cheese can't miss!

  • lgroom  on  April 21, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash.

  • Shelley.b  on  April 21, 2018

    Seafood risotto

  • RSW  on  April 21, 2018

    Zucchini rolls filled with rice and walnuts (Rotolini di zucchine al riso e noci)

  • Karen.2018  on  April 21, 2018

    I would try Zucchini rolls filled with rice and walnuts!

  • monasli  on  April 21, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash

  • Nhcookingdiva  on  April 21, 2018

    LOVE risotto and that pot is GORGEOUS!

  • LizyB  on  April 22, 2018

    If I could ever find zucchini flowers, I'd love to try Zucchini blossoms filled with rice, radicchio, and Gorgonzola!

  • davisesq212  on  April 22, 2018

    Holy cow…the Venetian seafood risotto recipe looks INCREDIBLE!!!!

  • nadiam1000  on  April 22, 2018

    Rice frittata with scamorza cheese, potatoes, and rosemary (Frittata di riso con scamorza, patate e rosmarino)

  • carminabee  on  April 22, 2018

    Mushroom risotto. 🍄

  • RickPearson54  on  April 22, 2018

    baked risotto

  • ktpotat  on  April 22, 2018

    Risotto with asparagus and taleggio

  • shaunterria  on  April 23, 2018

    Roman rice balls "on the phone" (Suppli al telefono)

  • sgump  on  April 23, 2018

    The rice soup with lentils and chickpeas (minestra di riso con lenticchie e ceci) sounds lovely!

  • verorenee  on  April 23, 2018

    Risotto with asparagus and Taleggio

  • EmilyR  on  April 24, 2018

    Risotto with lemony spinach pesto and Parmigiano Reggiano (Risotto al pesto di spinaci e Parmigiano Reggiano)

  • LaurenE  on  April 24, 2018

    Risotto with asparagus and Taleggio (Risotto agli asparagi e Taleggio)

  • Siegal  on  April 24, 2018

    I want to try the black risotto

  • Nancith  on  April 24, 2018

    Rice soup with soft poached eggs seems very comforting.

  • TippyCanoe  on  April 25, 2018

    Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley

  • heyjude  on  April 25, 2018

    Rice Soup with Shrimp and Leeks

  • AnneOther  on  April 25, 2018

    The very first recipe I would make is the risotto with fresh ricotta (Risotto alla ricotta fresca), which sounds amazing.

  • Cornfed23  on  April 25, 2018

    Rice Frittata with fresh mushrooms

  • LABeachGal  on  April 25, 2018

    Rice soup with soft-poached eggs sounds delicious!

  • sparkfan1965  on  April 26, 2018

    Rice croquettes with four cheeses (Crocchette di riso al quattro formaggi).

  • Terrill  on  April 26, 2018

    Rice Croquettes with Four Cheese-I have tried cheese stuffed ones and my cheese always melts out!

  • mombaker247  on  April 26, 2018

    I did try the rice frittata with asparagus and parmigiana. Also the rice croquettes with four cheeses. All right, I need the book to eat the rest of the way through it.xoxo

  • lpatterson412  on  April 26, 2018

    Strawberry Rice Cream!!

  • FireRunner2379  on  April 26, 2018

    I would like to try the Porcini pesto risotto in parchment paper packets.

  • fbrunetti  on  April 27, 2018

    Zucchini blossoms filled with rice, fresh peas, and mint (

  • Katiefayhutson  on  April 27, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash

  • juazella  on  April 27, 2018

    Oven-roasted Italian plum tomatoes filled with rice and Savoy cabbage

  • Dannausc  on  April 28, 2018

    Zucchini blossoms filled with rice, fresh peas, and mint

  • rachael_mc  on  April 28, 2018

    Kale bundles filled with rice and sausage (Involtini di cavalo nero al riso e salsiccia)

  • PennyG  on  April 28, 2018

    Rice frittata with fresh mushrooms (Frittata di riso al funghi) – Yum!

  • MiMi60  on  April 28, 2018

    Rice frittata with spinach and Parmigiano Reggiano (Frittata di riso con spinaci e Parmigiano Reggiano)

  • marsmomma  on  April 28, 2018

    Roman rice balls "on the phone"

  • WCchopper  on  April 29, 2018

    Venetian seafood risotto sounds amazing, as does one i saw with Taleggio…decisions decisions…

  • ccav  on  May 1, 2018

    The risotto frittatas sound really good, would like to try all of them!

  • motherofpearl81  on  May 1, 2018

    Sweet pepper and rice roll-ups with borlotti beans and sage

  • demomcook  on  May 1, 2018

    Zucchini rolls filled with rice and walnuts.

  • sdg8trgrl  on  May 1, 2018

    Risotto with tomato pesto and fresh mozzarella (Risotto al pesto di pomodori e fior di latte)

  • Teruska  on  May 2, 2018

    Oven-roasted Italian plum tomatoes filled with rice and Savoy cabbage

  • JJWong  on  May 2, 2018

    MMM!! Too many tempting recipes; I'd try the rice croquettes with four cheeses and then make a rice frittata and risotto!

  • TrishaCP  on  May 6, 2018

    Rice and tomato croquettes

  • MelMM  on  May 6, 2018

    Tuscan vegetable and rice soup. Also the rice "crostini".

  • outsidereader  on  May 7, 2018

    I would like to try the Sicilian arancini.

  • klrclark  on  May 7, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash

  • kelliwinter  on  May 8, 2018

    Salsa marinara

  • KarenDel  on  May 8, 2018

    Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley

  • thecharlah  on  May 8, 2018

    Spring vegetable soup with rice (Minestrone di riso alla primavera)

  • HeatherLynn  on  May 9, 2018

    Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley (Arancini di riso con fior di latte e prezzemolo) sounds amazing!! My family would love this!

  • pyrifera  on  May 9, 2018

    Risotto with Gorgonzola, Apples, and Walnuts!

  • Wojtanowski  on  May 10, 2018

    Arancini is a must try

  • daniellespinato1  on  May 11, 2018

    The rice frittata with sun-dried tomatoes, leeks, and onions sounds excellent!

  • LMS209  on  May 12, 2018

    venetian seafood risotto 🙂

  • Lmocooks  on  May 12, 2018

    Risotto with lemony spinach pesto and Parmigiano Reggiano

  • ElaineMM  on  May 13, 2018

    Rice corquettes with four cheeses.

  • leilx  on  May 16, 2018

    deep frying zucchini blossoms

  • littleminxgirl  on  May 17, 2018

    Baked gratin of rice with four cheeses is something I'm sure my son would love

  • jessiecomp  on  May 19, 2018

    I'd make the Rice frittata with fresh mushrooms (Frittata di riso al funghi)!

  • Siegal  on  May 19, 2018

    I will make seafood risotto

  • rosalee  on  May 19, 2018

    Crocchette di riso con rucola e pancetta, per favore!

  • nomadchowwoman  on  May 21, 2018

    Arancini is one of my sister's favorite things, so I would first try Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley (Arancini di riso con fior di latte e prezzemolo) and get her over to eat some!
    And I have been coveting that risotto pot for a long time.

  • orchidlady01  on  May 22, 2018

    Rice frittata with spinach and Parmigiano Reggiano

  • pcaradonna  on  May 22, 2018

    Rice frittata with fresh mushrooms (Frittata di riso al funghi)

  • lena46  on  May 22, 2018

    Rice crostini with fresh ricotta and oregano

  • pluckypuddin  on  May 23, 2018

    Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley (Arancini di riso con fior di latte e prezzemolo) looks delicious and would probably be the first thing that I made but all the recipes look fantastic!

  • tarae1204  on  May 23, 2018

    Rice soup is delicious!

  • eatysmith  on  May 23, 2018

    "Which recipe in the index would you try first?" Rice croquettes with tomato and basil (Crocchette di riso al pomodoro e basilico)!

  • PaulaCheadle  on  May 24, 2018

    I have never had or made Risotto, but would love to try the one with Sea scallops and peas

  • Jai3mum  on  May 24, 2018

    Seafood Risotto, there's some fantastic sounding recipes though I think I'd want to try them all!

  • Welsh1  on  May 25, 2018

    Warm rice salad with chicken, spinach and mushrooms.

  • MumofMags  on  May 25, 2018

    Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley

  • kazzycomps  on  May 25, 2018

    Zucchini rolls filled with rice and walnuts

  • ChrisFliss  on  May 25, 2018

    Arancini with fresh mozzarella and Italian parsley, I've been saying forever "I must cook arancina" but have never got round to it

  • ruthwollerton  on  May 25, 2018

    Risotto with butternut squash – sounds yummytastic xxx

  • gillbill  on  May 25, 2018

    The seafood risotto sounds delicious

  • Poppyjoey  on  May 25, 2018

    Tuscan Vegetable and Rice Soup sounds great

  • missmaria  on  May 25, 2018

    Rice frittata with scamorza cheese, potatoes, and rosemary sounds delicious!

  • deanfromuk  on  May 25, 2018

    Hmm the Risotto with Gorgonzola, Apples, and Walnuts, love cheese with walnuts

  • lydiag12  on  May 25, 2018

    I would make Rice croquettes with tomato and basil (Crocchette di riso al pomodoro e basilico).

  • sally0630  on  May 26, 2018

    I would love to try Rice croquettes with four cheeses first.

  • jim.windle  on  May 27, 2018

    Rice crostini with proscuitto cotto

  • dusksunset  on  May 27, 2018

    Rice frittata with fresh mushrooms

  • Kerreydp  on  May 28, 2018

    I’d make Venetian seafood risotto.

  • jjoun  on  May 28, 2018

    Rice crostini with prosciutto cotto.

  • rivergait  on  May 28, 2018

    Zucchini blossoms filled with rice, fresh peas, and mint … since I love these flavors and grow all of them in the garden

  • lbecker  on  May 28, 2018

    arancini!

  • eboogie  on  May 29, 2018

    They all sound great but first I'd try the Rice croquettes with arugula and pancetta.

  • robynsanyal  on  May 29, 2018

    Rice Soup with soft poached egg

  • Brancica  on  May 29, 2018

    risotto and asparagus with talaggio

  • artthecat  on  May 29, 2018

    Warm rice salad with chicken, spinach and mushrooms! Wow! The pan is beautiful.

  • starzine  on  May 30, 2018

    I would try the Rice crostini with fresh ricotta and oregano first.

  • Vanderjane  on  May 30, 2018

    Risotto with arugula pesto, lemon, and pine nuts

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