Mad about Mushrooms . . .

Morel Hunting 2021 Style

Hats off to the Cascade Mycological Society of Eugene and their recent program featuring Trent Blizzard of www.modern-forager.com.

I watched it on YouTube the other day and was tremendously impressed with the scientific and methodical approach that the charismatic Trent and his wife, Kirsten, have to gathering burn morels, which they define generally as morels that only grow in conifer forests, only in the Western US and only after a fire.

During the course of the 1.5 hour presentation, Trent guided us viewers through different parameters such as directions, elevations, and temperatures that he and his wife have found to be important factors in gathering burn morels. He noted that much of the research and preparation can be done from the convenience of an arm chair, sparing the mushroomer many hours of wandering and hoping in the woodlands.

Our 2021 Winner: Susan Mason's Secret Garden Breakfast

Susan's recipe, submitted six months ago, was the first arrival in our email basket, and, as it turned out, received the first place award in our recipe contest this year. The evaluators found it exceptional, with a unique taste and undeniably creamy texture. "I'd like another sample please" was the unanimous comment heard around the table, followed by remarks such as "I could see this becoming a standard on my table." Understandably so.

There was a consensus that the preparation pleases the palette with its silky texture which lingers delightfully on the tongue. Additionally, it was noted that the dish would be bound to delight any cook due to the ease with which it all comes together.

Of course, the versatility of the dish was a persistent refrain. Some advocated serving this rich sauce over mashed potatoes or cooked veggies such as green beans, or simply stirring it into a stew or soup. Others suggested using it as the basis for a flavorful pasta sauce or casserole. Whatever the dish, we are all convinced that this is a recipe to use and to share without reservation.

Congratulations to Susan for developing this
awesome dish that incorporates cashews and miso.

During the evaluation, we served the Secret Garden Breakfast over freshly baked biscuits as well as chunks of steamed red potatoes.  Amazing!  We encourage you, dear readers, to challenge yourself to find other ways that you can serve this lovely dish.  You won't be disappointed!

Of course, we were intrigued by the name "Secret Garden" and knew that we had to ask Susan how she developed the name.  She replied:

The name of this recipe just seemed fitting because the mushroom's home is in the forest and the secret garden stories are magical and so is this recipe.  

She is so right about that.  

How did Susan come to develop the recipe?

I have been fascinated with cashew cream and all the things it transforms into. It seems like a perfectly delicious partnership of mushrooms and cashews.  Specifically, mushrooms have always been mysterious and magical in the way they grow and where they grow, plus they are loaded with vitamins and minerals. It's a win win winner of a recipe.

And, you are so right about that, too, Susan!

Yet another Humongous Fungus!

Relaxing for an hour or so on a Sunday morning, with a piping hot cup of cold brewed coffee lovingly tucked in the palm of my hand, is one of my passions, especially if CBS’s Sunday Morning is on the tele.

ASM's annual Agar Art Contest

Please don't scold me - sure, I know that this post really doesn't fit neatly onto the MadAboutMushrooms focus, but we found the contest so amazing that we wanted to share it with you.

We recently became aware of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) annual Agar Art Contest. “What is the world is that?” you ask.  Actually, I have to confess that it was something new for us, too. But, now that I know of this absolutely fascinating event, it’s been pasted to my calendar for viewing in future years.

The intriguing contest was launched in 2015 and merges science with art to engage the public with microbiology and highlight the beauty and diversity of the microbial world according to the ASM’s website. Individual pieces of artwork are submitted to the ASM, all of which have been created using living, growing microbes ‘painted’ on agar.

This year there were 189 entries (including videos, songs, and even a handmade shirt) from 203 artists in 29 different countries and 27 US states. The judges assessed entries based on their creativity, artistry of design, the scientific accuracy of their description, and their accessibility to a general audience.

February, 2021's Recipe of the Month: Andy Baraghani's One-Skillet Mushroom Cornbread

Friends helping friends:  that is the way it should be.  So it is that I offer many thanks to one of our dear readers for offering the following recipe.  I agree with her that this recipe is a real keeper and destined to be family favorite not only during the holidays but throughout the year!