Mad about Mushrooms . . .

They're back ... first come the lobsters, and the fall mushrooming season arrives with a bang!

Here in Curry County, as in much of the rest of the Northwest, the fall mushrooming season is ushered in by the arrival of the flashy lobster mushroom, Hypomyces lactifluorum.  We haven't yet found them in the refuge, probably because at 850' elevation we're above the fog and the ground is still quite dry.  But, the lobsters are in neighboring areas, especially closer to sea level. 

 
Lobsters often are pimpled and dirty with duff from the 
forest floor, requiring a light brushing before
they are suitable for the table.

August 2017's Recipe of the Month: Chicken and Grapefruit with Mushroom Sauce

There are some recipes that are passed from friend to friend because they are so very special and truly extraordinary.   This month's Incredible Edible recipe is one such. 

The source of this recipe is a dear, long-time friend, who regrettably is no longer with us.  Yet, she lives on in our hearts for several reasons, and in particular thanks to her recipe with its unexpected and exquisite combination of ingredients and its ease of preparation.   And when we prepare Chicken and Grapefruit with Mushroom Sauce, we think lovingly of her, and enjoy it all the more.  We hope you enjoy it, too!

 
We've encountered the most interesting mushrooms 
when wandering through Asian markets!