• Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium pot (large pot for 4 servings), bring 5 cups water (8 cups for 4) to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Wash and dry produce. • Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces if necessary. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. • Toss broccoli on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until browned and tender, 15-20 minutes. **Pat chicken* or salmon* dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken or salmon (skin sides down); cook chicken until cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side, or cook salmon until skin is crisp, 5-7 minutes, then flip and cook until cooked through, 1-2 minutes more. Turn off heat; transfer to a cutting board. Wipe out pan.**

• While broccoli roasts, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add scallion whites and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Add rice and stir until evenly coated, 15-20 seconds. • Carefully add 1 cup simmering water to pan with rice mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has mostly absorbed. Repeat with remaining water—adding 1⁄2 cup at a time and stirring until liquid has absorbed—until rice is al dente and mixture is creamy, 25-30 minutes. TIP: Depending on the size of your pan, you may need a little more or a little less water. • Reduce heat to medium low. Stir in cream sauce base, Vidalia onion paste, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 2-4 minutes more. **Use pan used for chicken or salmon here.**

• Once risotto is done, remove from heat; stir in broccoli, white cheddar, and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) until melted and combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. TIP: Risotto should be a little loose and saucy right before serving; it will thicken as it cools. If too thick, stir in water 1 TBSP at a time.

• Divide risotto between bowls; top with yellow cheddar, crispy fried onions, and scallion greens. Serve. **Slice chicken crosswise. (Skip slicing salmon.) Serve chicken or salmon atop risotto.** ***Poultry is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°.***