For the LOVE of Mushrooms

Did you know that Mushrooms have more potassium then a banana? I learned that when I started googling the food that I had recently begun consuming at a slightly obsessive rate. The mushroom is the food I have recently tackled and that I hated with passion until about 3 months ago. I think I hated them because of their sponge-like texture...now that I'm over that, (it only took 25years) I have been eating them daily...let me share with you my mushroom discoveries to date!   

The Arugula Salad

Supper simple and healthy, and oh so delicious! Put a handful of arugula in a bowl, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil, pinch of salt and peper and toss together with your hands.  Cut up your mushrooms (i've been doing baby portables) toss on top of your arugula bed. Cut up some fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese...plop on top of your mushrooms. DONE. 

The 'dressing' on the arugula will season the rest...enjoy the nutty flavor of the cheese with the sharp flavor of the arugula...yumm! and P.S. This is finger food.

Ok, next: 

I just discover this flat bread tart at good ol' Trader Joe's. I'm completely addicted. Thinnest crust, lots of cheese and mushrooms galore. It cooks up in 15 minuets and the aroma is amazing and the taste is intoxicating. Good Luck sharing. This is a meal/snak for ONE. 

Hunting for Morels                                                                                        Its kind of a like going on a magical adventure, looking for a secret hidden treasure. I was first told to start hunting for these little gems when the lilacs are the size of a mouse’s ear, when the dandelions are in full yellow bloom, when cottonwood trees begin to green, when apple trees blossom, when snakes come out of hibernation, when turtles cross the road. A little vage, right? Well we found our morels in early spring on a damp day under dead elms that had fallen but hadn't hit the ground. Once you find your first one, hold on to your hat! Because suddenly its like your eyes are trained and you will find tons! Their look is distinct- They are light and cone-shaped and honeycombed. Its very important to pinch them off with your finges down near the ground. (this way they will grow again in the same spot) and put them in a mesh bag so they can breath.  I'd tell you where exactly we found the morels, but then I'd have to kill you. 

We ate our fresh Morels in a risotto and just lightly sautéed in butter. Luxury.