Mad about Mushrooms . . .

Morels: You can't always get what you want ...

No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometime you find
You get what you need

 

The Rolling Stones put it succinctly:  You can't always get what you want but if you try sometimes you find you get what you need.  True enough.  That's pretty much the summary of my recent morel hunting trip on the slopes of Mt. Hood.  

The company was fabulous.  The scenery was breathtaking.  Meandering in the woodlands in high 70 degree temperature in early May was awesome.  Yet, my mushroom basket was nearly empty at the end of day, save for a few small morels and two lovely Calbovista, otherwise known as giant warted puffballs, although mine were none too giant. 

Yes, these mushrooms will certainly add interest to a couple of dinners.  Still, we had heard reports about and had anticipated an abundant crop of morels awaiting us on Mt. Hood.  Perhaps, but certainly not in the three locations that we 4 hunter-gatherers traversed.  We saw a few other vehicles presumably carrying other foragers into the woods, but certainly not enough to believe that morel collecting was the hot activity of this area. 

Not really a giant, but delightful nonetheless.

May 2020's Recipe of the Month: Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas, Mushroom Powder and Pork Chili

From conversations with family and friends, it seems that this is a time when we are all turning to comfort foods such as soups and stews.  This month we'd like to share one of our favorites which features mushroom powder and black eyed peas. 

Black eyed peas - what are they, you may ask.  Oh, you know, those cute little pale colored legumes with a prominent black spot that you never quite knew what to make with them.  Frankly, they may be the only legume still left on your local grocery store's shevles.   

Alas, legumes, such as black eyed peas, are often overlooked in times of prosperity and plenty.  However, in days such as we are experiencing now, they tend to be elevated and are sought after as simple food that pleases and draws us back to a quieter time in our history. 

We'd like to point out that black eyed peas are not only satisfying and filling, they also pack a powerful nutritional punch, offering calcium, folate, protein, fiber, vitamin A, among other nutrients in a one cup serving, with less than 200 calories.  Now, that's good food, pandemic or no pandemic!

We're mixing mushroom powder with those "cute little beans
with the black spot" to create a unique and delicious chili!