chard grows like a weed in these parts pretty much year round. like arugula and chamomile. sometimes it pops up in the driveway or covers parts of our pastures. grass succumbs. i consider this yet another sign i've chosen the right place to live.
as for the pasta risotto i can't imagine anyone going into a blog this far who has not made risotto w/ arborio rice. the technique works well with really any pasta too.