A Melange Of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are one of those fall foods that can be good on their own or with other ingredients They're easy to work with , a plus for novice home chefs.as well as being a great sub for meats.

Many home chefs grew up with the the white button kind. These are the most versatile, showing up in everything from salads to sides. They can easily be stuffed with a mix of their stems and bread crumbs.For those who aren't fond of the button's flavor , try the oyster. It's flavor is very mild , almost flavoring the abalone fish. Shiitake caps are popular right now, Their flavor is woodsy  and they're a good source of copper.Many home chefs have embraced portobellos and have used them as sub in for steaks and burgers. They are one of the most popular  and probably the most versatile. They can be turned into everything from kabobs to meatloaf. For plate appeal try enoki mushrooms These are graceful white stems with tiny pearl button like heads. Like the oyster kind, they have a very mild flavor. They're crunchy to eat and commonly found in such Japanese dishes as sukiyaki and nabemono,or Japanese hot pot.The gem of all is the control. They are sometimes called egg  mushrooms because of their deep golden color.

All these mushrooms can actually work together. Melissa Clark has come up with a tasty recipe as seen in her A Good Appetite column in the New York Times Food section. She combines winter squash with a variety of  different ones. This create not only a blend of flavors but a blend of textures too. She uses the common button with the posh and plush chanterelle, oysters with shiitakes. This creates an interesting mix  made more interesting with curry leaves and mustard seeds, Winter squash , namely the butternut balances it out, creating a nice mild foil for all the heat that comes from the addition of  four chilies and cayenne pepper. According to Ms. Clark home chefs can adjust the heat, making it as spicy or mild as they want it. Serve it with fragrant basmati rice or oven warmed naan bread.

Mushrooms are a wonderful addition to any fall menu. Serve just one kind or blend in stew or curry.  They are versatile and easy to work with in any recipe.

Magic Mushrooms

Is there such a thing as a superfood? Yes, and it comes in the form of the mushroom.This humble mushroom can help you conquer life threatening diseases along with improving your quality of life. Too good to be true? No adding mushrooms to your life is definitely beneficial and tasty too. These fungi are chock full of health benefits. the Japanese versions, such as the maita and shiitake contain tumor suppressors.Others , such as the oyster help alleviate HIV symptoms.A lot of mushrooms help with lowering diabetes and weight.There is a caveatbthoigh. because the flesh is absorbent, they tend to pick up minerals and pesticides.Try to buy the organic version at all times. Can you grow them at home? You can but they won't be as successful a crop as your regular garden veggies.Do not try foraging unless you're an export. Most wild varieties are highly poisonous. There are so many different types of mushrooms that finding yummy recipe won't be much of a problem.Mushroom risotto is easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. You can use any kind however porcini are the best. Portobellos are one of the most versatile and tastiest(and , it is true, they do take like steak) Try them stove grilled or oven baked.You can even julienne them and toss into a fresh spinach salad. If you want a more exotic dish try stir frying shiitake or maita mushrooms with water chestnuts, Ginger and bean sprouts.Want simple? then try the old fashioned bread crumb stuffed white caps, bursting with flavored crumbs, chopped mushroom stems and parsley. Improve your diet by adding the many varieties of mushroom. This super food is super tasty. try it in a creamy risotto or grilled like steak. Any way you serve it, it 's good for you.