Mad about Mushrooms . . .

Ode to Spring

OK, I'll confess.  I don't have the heart or the perseverance of a true gardener.  I am sure this is in part due to the prevalence of deer and other two and four-legged critters who have historically loved to nibble on everything that I've planted outdoors.  However, I do love to wander through woodlands, examining the vegetation, and I never cease to marvel gleefully at the intensity with which nature sends forth an abundance of vegetation to celebrate the arrival of spring. 

Hence, it was that recently I was meandering among the flowering currants, Oregon grape and towering trees in a wooded landscape near Brightwood, Oregon, when suddenly I encountered my first-of-the-year mushrooms, those endearing signs of the affirmation with which nature celebrates the arrival of yet another springtime. 

Never mind that the nighttime temperatures have been hovering in the low 30's, nor that the measurable rain has been in the inches, these mushrooms would not be foiled in their attempt to break through the duff and debris that littered the forest floor.  They were determined to herald the emergence of spring in their own way.

 

Early spring fungi (Sarcosoma) cluster together,
rejoicing as the harshness of winter departs.

April 2018's Recipe of the Month: Allen Witzel's Mushroom Surf & Turf

We've hosted our recipe contest for 11 years, and continue to be humbled annually by the innovative submissions that we receive.  We don't envy the judges.  They taste and savor, ring their hands, dither and debate - which recipe should be designated the winner.  After much thoughtful consideration, they narrow the choice down to one, and leave the others behind.  But not this year. 

We've requested and been given permission to print three recipes (one each in the months of April, May and June) that caused a delicious dilemma for the judges.  Should one of them been the top-rated recipe in this year's contest?  The judges' decision remains firm and unchanged.  See for yourself whether the judges were right or wrong.  The decision is yours to make.  Whatever your thoughts, we know that you'll find yourself in complete agreement that the following 3 months display extraordinary recipes.

This first recipe in the 3-part series was submitted by Allen Witzel as part of a class project.  His instructor writes that "he is completing his culinary education at Culinard, The Culinary Institute of Virginia College.  Allen cooks every night for his 15 family members and is in the process of building a catering venue in the country near Chattanooga, TN that can host weddings and special events."

With creative fare such as his Mushroom Surf & Turf we're convinced that Allen will be quite successful with his catering business!
 

Allen's created a tasty twist on surf and turf!