Winter Activities

Winter Activities

9 Fun Winter Activities in North Carolina

Cary

NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Nov. 16th – Jan. 12th

Cary

The annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater is an ideal holiday activity for the whole family. Running from November 16th through January 12th, the festival features all-new displays with hundreds of parts and thousands of lights. In addition to the dazzling lanterns, the event includes a rich history, tasty food, performances, and numerous retail vendors.

Raleigh

SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR

December 7th

Raleigh

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair, also known as Julmarknad, will be held at the State Fair Grounds on December 7th. This authentic celebration showcases traditions from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Attendees can find traditional food, dancing, and vendors. Additionally, tickets are available online or in person, making it a wonderful yearly tradition for the entire family.

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RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 23rd

Raleigh

The 2024 Raleigh Christmas Parade will take place on November 23rd at 9:30 am and stands as the largest parade between Atlanta and Washington DC. As the parade makes its way down the 1.4-mile route, there is something for everyone. Over its 2-hour duration, attendees can enjoy local marching bands, various organizations, balloons, dancers, and floats. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Raleigh Christmas Parade!

THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 12th to Dec. 24th

Raleigh

The Nutcracker, presented by Carolina Ballet, takes place in downtown Raleigh. The shows run from December 12th to the 24th and are the most-attended Carolina Ballet production ever. Held at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the production features fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.

young couple in love caucasian man with blond hair with long hair and beard and beautiful woman have fun, active date skating on ice scene in town square in winter on christmas eve - outdoor skating rink stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

THE RINK

November to January

Raleigh

THE RINK, a natural ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Raleigh, will operate from November to January. This year, visitors can enjoy a snack bar, games, and lounging stations. The event will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition, tickets start at $15 for skaters and $6 for non-skaters.

Greater North Carolina

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

Nov. 7th to Dec. 31st

Bryson City

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents the Polar Express train ride. The ride lasts 1 ½ hours and guests will enjoy beautiful scenery, hot cocoa, and treats while experiencing the story. The train finishes up at the North Pole where children can meet Santa Claus and be presented their silver bell. The experience finishes back at Bryson City Depot and tickets range from $29 to $63.

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CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE

Nov. 2nd to Jan. 5th

Asheville

Christmas at Biltmore will run from November 2nd to January 5th. Tickets, which range from $110 to $420 per person depending on the package, offer various experiences. Visitors can tour the grounds during the daytime or evening; thus, they will encounter stunning decorations, enjoy complimentary wine tastings, and participate in candle-lit tours.

Mike’s Farm

November 23rd

Beaulaville

Christmas festivities at Mike’s Farm begin on November 14th and run until December 23rd. During this period, activities include the Festival of Lights Hayride, Wilmington Celebration Choir, Supper with Santa, Christmas Show, and more. For further details, including all dates and times for individual events as well as ticket information, visit their website.

closeup of christmas decoration - christmas hayride stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
beautiful, colorful and cold winter snowman, with snow, trees and frost - carowinds amusement park winter stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images

WINTERFEST AT CAROWINDS

Nov. 15th to Dec. 31st

Charlotte

Winterfest at Carowinds runs from November 15th through December 31st. During this festive period, activities include Christmas lights, ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday food. With something for all ages, the event also offers free admission for children two years old and under. For tickets and additional information, visit their website.

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KIX 102 FM

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Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

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Cranberry Sauce Recipe by Sam from Sugar Spun Run.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ⅔ cup orange juice
  • 12 oz cranberries rinsed and picked through — bad/bruised cranberries removed
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Directions

  1. Combine sugars, water, and orange juice in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.  Stir occasionally until sugars are dissolved, and bring to a boil.  
  2. ⅔ cup sugar,⅓ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed,⅓ cup water,⅔ cup orange juice
  3. Add cranberries and return to a boil.
  4. 12 oz cranberries
  5. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to cook cranberries, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until all or most berries have burst (careful, there is some splatter) and the mixture is slightly reduced. The longer you cook your cranberries the thicker your mixture will be, but it will also thicken up after standing.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
  7. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
homemade red cranberry sauce - cranberry sauce stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Ginger Spice Cookies

Ginger Spice Cookies

Ginger Spice Cookies Recipe

Ginger Spice Cookies
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Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Serving size: 20 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 package of spiced cake mix
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil 
  • ¼ cup molasses
Ginger Spice Cookies dough
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Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, ginger, and cinnamon.
  3. Stir in the egg, oil, and molasses until a soft dough forms.
  4. Use a tablespoon to form about 20 cookies. Space them about an inch apart on the lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly golden.
  6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer them to a wire sheet to finish cooling.
  8. Serve the ginger spice cookies and enjoy!
Ginger Spice Cookies baking
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Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers (Greek Style)

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Greek Style Stuffed Peppers Recipe by Suzy Karadsheh from The Mediterranean Dish.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings: Yields 6

Ingredients

  • Greek extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • Kosher salt + black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 cup cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped ( about 1 cup packed fresh parsley. Or a mixture of chopped fresh parsley and fresh dill)
  • 1 cup white rice, soaked in water for 2o to 30 minutes, then drained
  • 3/4 tsp hot or sweet paprika
  • 1/4 cup  tomato sauce
  • 2 1/4 cup water
  • 6 bell peppers, any colors, tops removed and cored
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
asian style ground beef and rice skillet - cooking ground beef and rice stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Directions

  1. Cook the Meat and Chickpeas: In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions until golden. Add the meat and cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, until browned. Season with salt, pepper, allspice, and garlic. Stir in the chickpeas and cook briefly.
  2. Add Rice and Cook: Add parsley, soaked and drained rice, paprika, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir to combine. Pour in water and bring to a high simmer until the liquid reduces by half. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Grill the Peppers: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high while the rice cooks. Cover and grill the bell peppers for 10-15 minutes, turning as needed until softened and lightly charred. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Preheat Oven and Assemble Peppers: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the peppers open-side up in a baking dish with 3/4 cup broth or water. Fill each pepper with the meat, rice, and chickpea mixture.
  5. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil (without touching the peppers) and bake on the middle rack for 20-30 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm. Pair with Tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad for a Greek-style main dish.
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Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites

aebleskiver - cranberry brie bites stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe by Carolyn Casner from EatingWell.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 (7 to 8 ounce) prepared pie crust (1/2 of a 14 ounce package; see Tip)
  • ½ cup prepared cranberry sauce or homemade
  • 3 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 24 pieces, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (Optional)
baked camembert cheese on a steel tray with cranberry sauce and thyme. black background. top view. copy space. - cranberry brie stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F and lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
  2. Roll out the pie crust on a flat surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out 24 circles from the dough, rerolling scraps if needed.
  3. Press each dough circle into a muffin cup and prick with a fork. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from oven.
  4. Place 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce in each cup, then top with a piece of Brie.
  5. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is hot.
  6. Let cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chives if desired, and serve warm.
crostini appetizers with cranberries, brie and caramelized onions, above on a white plate - cranberry brie bites stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls

Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls

Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls

pumpkin shaped biscuits. - pumpkin shaped bread stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls Recipe by Veronica Fay from Taste of Home.

Prep time: 60 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: yields one dozen

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons each of minced fresh oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 cups bread flour
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted, optional
  • 6 honey wheat braided pretzel twists, halved
pumpkin shaped buns. halloween menu ideas. - pumpkin shaped bread stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water.
  2. Mix the pumpkin, garlic powder, onion powder, minced onion, fresh herbs, salt, cayenne, yeast mixture, and 1 1/2 cups of flour in a large bowl. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the rest of the flour until a soft, sticky dough forms. Stir in the cheese.
  4. On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic (6-8 minutes). Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
  5. Punch down the dough, then turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide and shape it into 12 balls, flattening slightly. Wrap each ball with 4 pieces of kitchen string to create pumpkin-like indentations.
  6. Place rolls 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled about 45 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Brush with melted butter if desired.
  8. Let the rolls cool on wire racks, then cut and remove the string. Before serving, insert a pretzel half into the top of each roll as a “stem.”
fresh homemade pumpkin shaped buns - pumpkin shaped bread stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Cinnamon French Toast

Cinnamon French Toast

Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

Cinnamon french toast with a syrup drizzle.
Photo by Getty Images

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serving size: 5 servings

Ingredients

  • 10 slices of bread
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: powdered sugar and syrup
Bread sitting in a french toast egg mixture.
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Directions

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat while you make your cinnamon French toast mixture.
  2. Whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  3. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
  4. Place each coated slice of bread onto the heated skillet.
  5. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Serve your french toast hot, optionally with syrup and powdered sugar.
  7. Enjoy!
French toast being toasted in a skillet.
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Vegan Italian Stuffed Artichokes

Vegan Italian Stuffed Artichokes

Stuffed Artichokes

homemade stuffed baked artichokes - stuffed artichokes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Stuffed Artichokes Recipe from Plants Rule.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4 artichokes

Ingredients

  • 4 large artichokes
  • 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup pitted green olives
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/8 teaspoon red chile flake
preparation of heads of fresh raw artichokes plants from artichoke plantation in argolida, greece ready to cook with lemon - artichokes soaking stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare lemon water: Zest the lemons and set the zest aside. Mix the juice of both lemons in a large bowl with about 8 cups of cold water. This will be the bath for your artichokes to keep them from browning.
  3. Prep the artichokes:
  • Trim off the woody end.
  • Peel the stem with a paring knife and remove any tough outer leaves.
  • Cut the bottom stem for a flat base (save the stem).
  • Trim off the top third of the artichoke with a serrated knife.
  • Open the leaves, scoop out the inner pink thistle, and place the artichoke and stem in the lemon water while you prep the others.
  1. Make the breadcrumb filling:
  • Toast pine nuts at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until golden, then increase the oven to 400°F.
  • Chop parsley, toasted pine nuts, and olives.
  • Mix chopped parsley, olives, pine nuts, bread crumbs, and nutritional yeast in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  1. Stuff and bake the artichokes:
  • Stuff each artichoke with about 1/4 of the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it in firmly.
  • Place the stuffed artichokes and stems in a baking dish. Pour wine into the bottom, sprinkle red chile flakes over the artichokes, and add 2 cups of lemon water.
  • Cover and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20-25 minutes.
stuffed artichokes cooking - stuffed artichokes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Professional Athletes

Professional Athletes

Notable North Carolina Professional Athletes

Chris Paul (Winston-Salem)

Chris Paul NC Professional Athletes
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Chris Paul is an NBA point guard from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Before being drafted in 2005, Paul spent two years playing basketball at Wake Forest University. He was selected fourth overall by the New Orleans Hornets, who are now known as the Charlotte Hornets, during their temporary relocation to New Orleans. While he has played for seven teams, currently the San Antonio Spurs, none of them were in his home state of North Carolina.

Richard Petty (Level Cross)

Hall of Famer Richard PettyNC Professional Athletes
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Richard Petty, a North Carolina stock car racer, was born in Level Cross. He has a large number of achievements under his belt including his large number of NASCAR. Petty shares the record for the most NASCAR Cup Series Championships with Dale Earnhardt, a fellow North Carolinian, and Jimmie Johnson. His last race was in 1992, the Hooters 500, and he has earned his nickname “The King.”

Julius Peppers (Wilson)

Julius Peppers NC Professional Athletes
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Julius Peppers is a Defensive end Linebacker from Wilson, North Carolina. He spent three years playing for the University of North Carolina before being drafted 2nd overall in 2002. Peppers played for the Carolina Panthers until 2009, returning to Carolina again in 2017 for one final season. After 16 years of professional football, Peppers retired after the 2018 season.

Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Kannapolis)

Dale Earnhardt NC Professional Athletes
Photo Credit: David Taylor/Allsport

Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a professional stock car driver born in Kannapolis, North Carolina. His first race was in Charlotte at the 1975 World 600 and his last was the Daytona 500 in 2001. Dale Earnhardt Sr. died in an accident at the 2001 Daytona 500 due to a three-car crash at only 49 years old. His son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., takes after his father and carries along his legacy as one of the most popular professional athletes from North Carolina.

Carl Eller (Winston-Salem)

Carl Eller NC Professional Athletes
(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images

Carl Eller, a Winston-Salem native, is a former Defensive end who played in the NFL for 15 years. He played nearly all of his career (1964-1978) with the Minnesota Vikings, eventually retiring with the Seattle Seahawks after less than a year. After retiring from football, Eller went back to school and obtained a degree in Human Services. Both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame honor him.

Bobby Bell (Shelby)

Commentator Jim Nantz and NFL Hall of Famer Bobby Bell speak after the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans...
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Bobby Bell is a former American football linebacker from Shelby, North Carolina. “He played his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him in 1963. After retiring in 1974, Bell secured his place in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. He settled in Kansas City, Missouri, and opened Bobby Bell’s Bar-b-que.

Enos Slaughter (Durham)

Statue of Enos Slaughter of the St. Louis Cardinals is outside of Busch Stadium on July 18, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Enos Slaughter, also known as “Country,” was born in Roxboro, North Carolina. Slaughter was an MLB right fielder for 21 years, retiring in 1959. In his 21 years of professional baseball, Slaughter played for five teams before retiring in Durham, North Carolina. He coached Duke baseball from 1971 to 1977 and helped with other local organizations.

Raymond Floyd (Fort Bragg)

Raymond Floyd hits from the 18th tee during the first round of the Champion's TOUR 2005 SBC Championship at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio,...
Photo by Steve Grayson/Getty Images

Professional golfer, Raymond Floyd, was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His father, a soldier in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, and Floyd started his gold career at the enlisted men’s course. He attended UNC Chapel Hill for one semester before starting his professional golfing career. He has won many notable tournaments including the Masters (1976), PGA (1969 and 1982), and the U.S. Open (1986). He officially retired in 2010 after nearly 50 years of playing and is notable for North Carolina professional athletes.

James Worthy (Gastonia)

James Worthy#42, Small Forward and Power Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Los Angeles...
Photo by J.D. Cuban/Allsport/Getty Images

James Worth is a retired professional basketball player born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina. He lived in North Carolina until the 1982 draft when the Lakers selected him 1st overall out of college. His playing career lasted 12 years in which he received many awards and honors with the Los Angeles Lakers. Both his UNC Chapel Hill jersey (52) and Los Angeles Lakers jersey (42) numbers have been retired.

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Arancini

Arancini

Arancini

creamy mashed potato croquettes with cheese and sour cream dip - arancini balls stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Arancini Recipe by Leah Perez from The Pioneer Woman.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Servings: Yields 2 dozen

Ingredients

For the risotto:

  • 4 cups chicken broth 
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 cup arborio rice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced 
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more to serve 

For the Arancini:

  • 4 oz. fontina cheese or low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Marinara sauce, to serve
friends bonding and preparing food at home - making arancini balls stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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Directions

For the Risotto:

  1. Heat chicken stock with 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan over low heat to keep it warm.
  2. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until tender (3–5 minutes).
  3. Add rice and cook until edges are translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook briefly (30 seconds).
  4. Pour in white wine and stir for 2–3 minutes until reduced.
  5. Add ½ cup of hot broth to the rice, stirring until almost absorbed (3–5 minutes). Repeat, adding broth gradually, until rice is tender and creamy (20–25 minutes).
  6. Stir in parmesan, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and parsley until combined.
  7. Spread risotto in a 9×13 pan, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on top, and refrigerate for 1 hour or until cold.

For the Arancini:

  1. Cut fontina cheese into ½-inch pieces.
  2. Shape cold risotto into 1-inch balls (about 1 ½ tablespoons each). Flatten each ball, add 2 cubes of cheese, and fold the risotto around to seal. Place on a lined sheet tray.
  3. Chill arancini in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  4. Set up a coating station with panko breadcrumbs in one dish and whisked eggs in another. Dip each ball in egg, then roll in panko to coat.
meatballs - frying arancini balls stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
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