For centuries, Wassail punch was served in England from Christmas Eve till the Twelfth Night. Of course, you can enjoy it throughout the holidays, and flavor it to your personal taste. Start with a little of each spice and add more gradually until it suits you.
Combine the chicken broth and saffron in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and keep warm over low heat. Heat a stock pot over medium-high heat until warm (about 30 seconds). Add oil, butter, onions, and salt. Saute just until the onions turn translucent and are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently for 4 minutes. Add 2 cups of the warm broth and the white wine to cover the rice. Mix well. Bring to a gentle boil over low heat, boil gently until the liquid is almost gone. Stir in 3 more cups of broth, stirring about every 3 minutes and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Add 1-½ cups more broth, 1/2 cup every 3 to 4 minutes, to keep the rice mixture creamy. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is cooked through but still a bit firm in the center, about 10 to 12 minutes. The last 10 minutes of cooking add the Stir in the asparagus, peas, Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, adjust the seasoning. Adding fresh lump crab meat or Grilled seafood is a winning combination with the vegetable or just the fish alone! Use the juice from 1 fresh lemon to wake up the flavor!
