by snebbu

Mushrooms Gone Wild! Top 10 Mushroom Concoctions

Yes. Wife and I went through enough mushrooms already that I can confidently say we are experts. The stinky veggie that leaves us all coming back for more: mushrooms. Mushrooms are a versatile veggie that can be thrown into pastas, pureed into soups and sauces, or be substituted as “meat” for our vegetarian foes. Anywho – here you have it: our top 10 mushroom recipes.

1.Balsamic Mushroom Flatbread

So tasty and “fancy-looking,” while it is so quick and easy. Garlic, mushroom, balsamic and cheese. BOOM.

2. Beef & Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

If you have a complaint about these savory bites, you can go to hell. That’s all.

3. Mushroom Stroganoff

Back when we were trying to eat healthy, we had “meatless mondays.” Sometimes we had successes, others not so much. This dish was always considered a success. I don’t even miss the beef in this dish.

4. Pork & Mushroom Ragu Over Polenta

To soothe the soul on a winter or fall day, try this dish full of tenderness.

5. Oyster & Shitake Mushroom Alfredo

The shitake and oyster mushrooms add the right amount of earthy notes and a bit of sweetness with the creamy sauce.

6. Brioche Stuffing

I believe brioche bread can make anything better. Rather than picking the most stale bread around (hell, even croutons), why not make a stuffing that matches the gluttony of the rest of the meal?

7. Braised Hunter’s Chicken

One of my favorite dishes that my wife makes. Start the tradition of Sunday dinners with this!

8. Mock Bolognese

Again we find that with the right dish, mushrooms can replace beef! Trust me, I’m surprised too.

9. White Winter Truffled Mac & Cheese

Impress your friends. You’re welcome.

10. Mushroom & Blue Cheese Farrotto

Yes, we found yet another way to take something full of calories and make it healthier without compromising the flavor. BANG BANG.

by snebbu

Mushroom Mania : Oyster-Shitake Alfredo

Do you smell that? Yup…mushrooms again. We just can’t get enough! Still working on the large box of shitake and oyster mushrooms, the wife and I were faced with a decision: how do we finish all of these?! We already did flatbread and stroganoff, but wait – I married an Italian…PASTA! Done and done. While any mushrooms will do, I will say that the shitake and oyster mushrooms provided a distinct taste that went really with a cream sauce. Anyway, get out your favorite pasta and have at it, hoss!

‘Shroom Stroganoff

“SHITAKE mushrooms, that was close!” While I may not coin the phrase, I am coining the dish. As I stated, we have A LOT of mushrooms right now (shitake and oyster). In our quest to shroom-dome, we went to one of our go-to veggie dishes: Mushroom Stroganoff. When made right, beef stroganoff is considered a classic dish with a creamy and savory flavor profile. Of course, we’re all trying to be healthy in the new year, so why not replace the beef with mushrooms? Better yet – the fancy kind of mushrooms.

When we did this before, we would get the typical dark gravy from normal mushrooms with the subtle earthy flavor of mushrooms. This time, we have strong earthy flavors of the shitake and a creamy, almost sweet flavor of the oyster mushrooms. Together, with egg noodles and creamy goodness, we may not need to make beef stroganoff again! Try it out – you’ll even enjoy the leftovers.

“A Fungus Among Us” Flatbread

The wife and I live in a geographic location very famous for mushrooms. It has its pros and cons. We have grown used to the fresh smell of manure on any day at any time. However, we have also come accustomed to cheap-ass mushrooms that have great flavor. We are so spoiled. Or so we thought.

We heard a random knock on our door this weekend and I opened it to one of my wife’s former co-workers with a box full of shitake and oyster mushrooms. We thought we were mushroom snobs before with our $2.50 5 pound bags of white, portabella, and crimini mushrooms. But this took it to a new level. “Just let me know when you run out,” she says. Oh…we will. Clearly, you’ll be hearing more about mushrooms in the coming weeks. Tonight was an easy one – a quick yet sophisticated flatbread.

“A Fungus Among Us” Mushroom-Balsamic Flatbread

Ingredients

Shitake and Oyster Mushrooms (any will do – but these do have great flavor w/the balsamic)
Balsamic Glaze
Flatbread (homemade or store bought)
Julienned Red Onion (to your tasted and amount of flatbreads)
Mozzarella Cheese
Romano Cheese
Roasted Garlic

Cooking

Preheat oven to 375 or directed temp.

Put freshly roasted garlic down on the flatbread (spread if you wish) and top with the onion
Sprinkle fungus throughout the flatbread evenly.
Sprinkled mozzarella and romano evenly on top
Cook in the oven for 10 minutes or directed time
Drizzle balsamic glaze on top like a damn pro

If you really like it crispy, pre-bake the flatbread before putting all the toppings on and then bake again. Goes well with a nice big glass of your favorite red wine. This meal is an EASY way to make a nice dinner after work in little time. One flatbread was actually pretty filling for me and I would definitely have it again. Reheats well for the next day’s lunch as well.

in Cheese / Recipe / Veggie 0 comments

by BS

Endless Halloween: Slurp Some Seriously Spooky Spaghetti

Photo: Lori Hirsch Stokoe / www.tastewiththeeyes.com

YESSSSS. It’s almost time to start seriously thinking about Halloween cooking. There’s nothing better than horrifying food that actually tastes wonderful, right? And Halloween is the perfect excuse to pull it off. This one’s for all you cavemen. I normally wouldn’t be one to sub out my glourious gluten-y pasta for protein-rish versions, but October is the perfect time to start experimenting with black bean pasta. The awesomely atrocious dish pictured above uses Explore Cuisine’s spaghetti, which is made from just black beans and only black beans.

Black Bean Spaghetti with AFRAID-O Sauce and White Carrot Phalanges

White Carrot Phalanges

Peel 8 white carrots then carve with small knife into finger-bone shape. Steam until al dente. Set aside.

Black Bean Spaghetti with AFRAID-O Sauce

1 box Explore Cuisine Black Bean Spaghetti – cooked, drained
1 jar of alfredo sauce (can choose gluten-free)
1 jar of marinara sauce (choose one that is more blood red in color, rather than orange)
fresh basil

Heat the sauces in separate saucepans over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Place warm Explore Cuisine black bean spaghetti in the center of four serving plates.
Ladle alfredo sauce over the center of the spaghetti.
Arrange carrot phalanges over the sauce.
Splatter marinara sauce over the entire dish, in a gruesome manner.
Garnish with basil.

More ridiculous recipes in Endless Halloween.

in Holiday / Recipe / Veggie 0 comments

by ES Guest

7 Delicious Toppings for Sweet Potato Toast

Brought to you by the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission

Photo credit: Little Bits Of Blog

While classic avocado toast is one of our favorite morning treats, we can’t help but feel a tad guilty when we’re loading up on empty carbs morning after morning. Lucky for you (and us!), the latest trend in the breakfast world comes sans bread and is made up of nutrient-rich instead! Available year-round, this spectacular sweet spud is jam-packed with vitamin A and fiber, naturally sweetened from the earth and low in calories, making them the perfect meal for those on the go. And they can be used in so many ways, like as toast!

The best part? Whipping up this sweet treat is quick and easy. Pop your sweet potato into the microwave for 10 seconds to soften it up. Then simply slice some sweet potatoes about ¼-inch thick (we love NC Sweet Potatoes!) and pop ‘em in the toaster or toaster oven. We recommend toasting twice for a just-the-right amount of crunch. Once done, top with whatever your heart desires – whether it’s a little avocado or a whole lotta cheese, we know you’ll reach for it morning after morning.

Photo credit: Little Bits Of Blog

Looking for some inspo? Read on for seven delicious toppings for your sweet potato toast!

Cheese, Please!

What’s tastier than creamy and rich brie cheese? Toast your sweet potatoes, spread your favorite brie on top and finish with some generous drizzles of sweet, locally-made honey. It’s the bee’s knees!

No Schmear Job

Love lox and bagels? While this breakfast all-star is a Sunday morning essential, it’s also loaded with calories that can slow down your day. The solution? Sweet potatoes, of course! Toast up some , top ‘em with a little crème fraiche, pile on the smoked salmon and throw some capers on top for a little extra punch. Done and done!

Crazy for Coconut

Looking for something sweet? This dessert-inspired iteration will leave you pining for more! The best part? It’s a healthy way to get an all-natural sugar fix. Top with a healthy serving of almond butter, add some finely-chopped dates and complete the treat with a drizzle of coconut butter.

All About Almond

A tried-and-true favorite, this version is topped with almond butter, fresh banana slices, and sprinkles of sweet cinnamon. It’s a creamy concoction that we know you’ll swoon over.

Photo credit: Little Bits Of Blog

Hello, Hummus
Full of flavor and nutrition, this fresh and flavorful version can be whipped up in a matter of seconds. Simply top your “toast” with your go-to hummus and add some heirloom tomato slices on top. For an added kick, finish with a sprinkle of chili flakes or Himalayan salt.

Pesto Perfection

Simple and tasty, this sweet potato toast is topped with omega-3 rich pesto sauce (recipe here) and is guaranteed to become the best part of your morning routine. Bonus tip: make the pesto ahead of time so you can spread it on in a flash.

Anything-But-Basic Avocado
You didn’t think we’d forget the recipe that started it all, right? Top your spuds with some sliced avocado, a hint of salt, some fresh ground pepper and a little lemon zest and you’re set. If you’re in the mood for a little spice, whip out that Sriracha!

Photo credit: Little Bits Of Blog

Like what you see? Watch the video below to find out why cooking with sweet potatoes is not only healthy, but simple. Plus, be sure to share photos of your sweet potato creations on Instagram with the #SweetPotatoToast hashtag!

This article was produced by NC Sweet Potatoes in collaboration with Endless Simmer.

in Recipe / Sponsored / Veggie 0 comments

by ES Guest

St. Patrick’s Day Hash

You know we love providing you with all those St. Patrick’s Day drinking ideas, but we’re gonna need something to soak it all up, aren’t we? Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day recipe created by Pure Organic founder and author of Pure Food, Veronica Bosgraaf.

Saint Patrick’s Day in Michigan is kind of crazy. For example, one year we were all downtown in short enjoying the early, warm spring weather – but the next year we bundled up against a 20?F snowstorm. Luckily, the green beer still flows. St. Paddy’s day is a great reminder that the carefree days of summer are close.

On St. Patrick’s Day, I want festive comfort food. This vegan, gluten-free dish works perfectly, and it is so hearty you won’t miss the corned beef. I could make it for breakfast too, but then I’d have to give up my green beer. So put on your cutest green outfit, and no matter what the weather, enjoy the luck of the Irish! If you like, put an organic, free-range fried egg on top of each serving.

Irish Hash

Serves 4