Leftover Inspiration

I can't seem to leave well-enough alone. Last week, I had a dinner party where a dish of Basque-style Shrimp with Pastis, Lemon, Herbs and Cherry Tomatoes took centerstage. It was a fantastic dish and not one shrimp was left on the platter at the meal's end - but not so for the flavorful, anise-scented sauce. I had about three cups of the gorgeous stuff left.

I could've used it atop some fish for myself, or perhaps thrown it over some pasta. But, no. I had to be creative. And, I had to invite others to bask in the glow of my creativity. So, a Sunday night seafood risotto supper was born.

I purchased some shrimp (brined those suckers as an added measure), a pound of mussels and sweet bay scallops, as well as some fish stock. Picked up lovely cherry tomatoes, shallots, chives and fresh basil at the Borough Hall Greenmarket to add to the pot, and I already had a box of risotto at-the-ready in my cupboard.

Now, I could've left it at that. It was a casual, Sunday, jeans and tee-shirts, "leftovers" dinner, after all...

Please. You should know better by now. Here's the menu:

*Olives, Cheese, Duck Liver Truffle Mouse Pat