5 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 1/2 cups Arborio rice

2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Basil leaves and parsley leaves, for garnish

Extra Parmesan for passing

1. In a large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute until softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes.

2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the squash and saute for 3 to 5 minutes or until the squash is lightly browned and well coated. Add the pepper and saute another 3 minutes or until slightly softened. Cover and cook about 3 more minutes or until the peppers begin to wilt, stirring once or twice. Remove the top and increase the heat and remove all the excess liquid, about a minute more. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan bring the broth and wine to a simmer on medium high heat. (Or place in a large glass measuring cup and microwave for 2 minutes.)

4. In a heavy large saucepan heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat. Add the rice and stir well making sure that all the grains are well coated, about 2 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup of the hot broth and stir, using a wooden spoon, until all of the stock is absorbed. Continue adding the broth, 3/4 cup at a time, making sure that the rice has absorbed the previous stock, and always stirring to avoid burning or sticking. (It takes about 3 to 5 minutes between each addition.) The rice should have a very creamy consistency as you continue to add the stock.

5. Reserve the last 3/4 cup of broth and add it with the vegetable mixture, cooking on low heat for another 2 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. You many need to use a fork to mix the vegetables with the rice. Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley, basil and Parmesan cheese and stir well to evenly combine with the rice. Spoon into shallow serving bowls and garnish with basil and parsley. Pass remaining Parmesan separately.

Advance Preparation: May be made through Step 4 up to four hours ahead. Cover and leave at room temperature. When ready to serve, go to Step 5 and then serve immediately.

(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including "Seriously Simple Parties," and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)