Balsamic Risotto with Tomatoes and Basil

Name: Balsamic Risotto with Tomatoes and Basil
Ingredients: 4 cups stock (I use homemade vegetable stock or Better Than Bouillon); 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup shallots , chopped; 1 clove garlic , minced; 1 cup ( 200 g) risotto rice (Arborio, carnaroli, or vialone nano); 1/3 cup dry white wine (I recommend a New Zealand sauvignon blanc); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , grated or shredded; 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; White pepper; 1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1 pinch dried thyme; 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes , halved; 4 basil leaves , thinly sliced