Pineapple Cognac Shrimp w/Risotto

Before we were married, my husband and I spent two weeks vacationing overseas.  He wanted to go to Italy and I wanted to go to Scotland so we did one week in each.  While in Italy we had this amazingly delicious meal of Pineapple Cognac Shrimp.  We even went back for seconds!  I have attempted to recreate this meal.  It's not the prettiest dish but I've got the flavors pretty close.  Suggestions for improvement are welcome!

Risotto

·         Arborio rice

·         ½ Cup Cognac

·         1½  Cup Pineapple juice

·         2-3 Cups stock (seafood, veggie, or chicken)

Shrimp

·         1 lb. shrimp, peeled & deveined

·         ½ Pineapple, cored and cut into bit-sized pieces

·         Olive oil

·         Salt & Pepper

Cognac Sauce

·         2 Tablespoons butter

·         1 large shallot, finely chopped

·         1 Tablespoon brown sugar

·         ½ Cup pineapple juice

·         1 Cup stock (seafood, veggie, or chicken)

·         1/3 Cup cognac

·         ¼ Cup cream

Cook the rice according to the instructions on the box using the liquids listed above.  Start with the cognac and juice and then move on to stock.  Use seafood stock if you can but veggie or chicken stock will work too.  (If you've never prepared risotto before, I suggest getting all your other ingredients measured out and and ready to go; peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time too.  The risotto needs near constant attention to cook.)

Melt butter over medium heat, sauté shallot until tender (3-5 minutes).  Add brown sugar; stir to dissolve.  Add juice, stock, and cognac.  Simmer to reduce down to ½ cup (15-20 minutes).  Stir in cream.

Just before the rice and sauce are ready, heat olive oil in a pan and then add the shrimp and pineapple.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook the shrimp 3 minutes on each side or until no longer translucent.  Combine the pineapple, shrimp and sauce.  Serve with Risotto.

Witch's Notes:  With cognac, pineapple, and shrimp this dish has all the making for a romantic rendezvous.  Choose your spell's words carefully.  I suggest including a time frame.  Describe the tender romance or, if you prefer, an erotic experience for the evening or weekend.  Care not for the past, nor the future but for the time of this specific encounter.  You can always brew up another spell when the time is ideal for the next encounter.  Leaving it open ended could bring unwanted attention or worse so remember, as with any spell, be careful what you wish for.  Enjoy and have fun!