1. To loosen up the meat and dissolve any large chunks of rock salt, soak the bacalhau in ice water for 24 hours. When the cod is ready, pick out large flakes of fish and steam them for 15 minutes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan. Add the chopped shallots, bay leaf and thyme.
3. Then add the rice and stir well. Add the mushrooms, stir again and add the white wine.
4. Stir well until the wine evaporates, and then add the fish stock.
5. Bring to a boil. Continue to add fish stock and cook until the rice is al dente—firm to the bite.
6. Add the bacalhau and mix well.
7. Take the risotto off the heat. Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme.
8. Mix in the cream and cheese and finish with a mix of chopped parsley and garlic.
9. Decorate with Parmesan shavings.