APRIL FOOLS’!

Did I get you? Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best prank ever, but here are a few fun ways to play “Gotcha” with your family AND sneak wholesome mushrooms into their meals while you’re at it. We think these recipes will have mushroom naysayers changing their tune from “Mushrooms?” to “MUSHROOMS!”

• Be sneaky with mushroom swaps. Get your family excited for a burger dinner and watch as they savor Mushroom Burgers, and then see if anyone can guess the secret ingredient.
• Prank ‘em with pizza. After your family has gobbled up slices of crowd-pleasing Mushroom Flatbread, reveal your April Fools’ practical joke and watch as they change their minds about mushrooms.
• Surprise with spruced up spaghetti. Serve this Almost Lasagna recipe, and shock your satisfied family with the secret ingredient: mushrooms.

These suggestions will pay off three-fold by leaving your family surprised, full on a nutritious meal and praising you for a successful (and tasty) April Fools’ trick. Leave a comment below to let us know how your family reacted!

Recently, I watched a well-known celebrity chef on a national television show advise people about the health benefits of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. She displayed an array of deeply-hued produce, and gushed about the nutrients that colorful fruits and vegetables offer.

Color counts but that’s not the whole story when it comes to produce, particularly vegetables.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

(1) Eat A Variety of Fruits and Veggies

Research shows that eating at least 2 ½ cups of fruit and vegetables daily is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Certain produce helps protect against some types of cancer, too.

Getting enough fruits and vegetables is a challenge for most of us, as fewer than 1 in 10 Americans meet the suggested daily intakes. To make meal planning easier, MyPlate, the government’s new symbol for healthy eating, advises filling half your plate with a variety of fruits and vegetables that offer an array of nutrients.

For example:

• Beans are rich in protein, a nutrient most vegetables lack, and they also deliver iron and zinc in levels similar to those in seafood, meat, and poultry.

• Citrus fruits, kiwi, and tomatoes are particularly rich in vitamin C.

• Sweet potatoes, carrots, and cantaloupe are packed with beta-carotene, which provides their bright orange hue, protects cells against damage, and serves as the raw material for making vitamin A in the body.

(2) Pale is Pretty

Consumers are often encouraged to eat brightly colored vegetables because they’re loaded with nutrients, but that gives white and tan vegetables short shrift.

No one vegetable or fruit is more nutritious or beneficial than another. Scientific research has proved that white and tan vegetables (and white fruits, such as bananas) are packed with valuable nutrients.

Here’s what white and tan vegetables bring to the table, and interesting ways I prepare them for my family:

Mushrooms: Mushrooms are the only source of vitamin D in the produce aisle. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and is needed for strong bones and teeth. All mushroom varieties supply vitamin D, but growers can increase vitamin D levels by exposing mushrooms to ultraviolet light. One serving (about 4-5 white button or crimini mushrooms, or one portabella) of light-exposed mushrooms can provide close to 400 IU of vitamin D – that’s two-thirds of the suggested 600 IU everyone over the age of one needs daily.

In addition to being relatively low in calories, very low in sodium, and free of fat and cholesterol, mushrooms provide B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and more.  Mushrooms are packed with compounds that boost your immunity and may help protect against cancer.

I sauté sliced white button mushrooms to go with meat, chicken or fish, and I swear by portabello burgers on whole grain buns because they’re easy to make and delicious. I often swap half the meat in my favorite pasta, pizza, and burger recipes for chopped, sautéed mushrooms.

Cauliflower: Cauliflower contains antioxidants, vitamin C, the B vitamin folate, potassium, fiber, and anti-cancer compounds.

In spite of its many health benefits, cauliflower is not always an easy sell at the dinner table. Cauliflower has a strong taste, and it may take time for your family to fall in love with it like I have.

I roast cauliflower to bring out its sweetness and because it’s easy. Chop a head of cauliflower into bite-size pieces, place on a baking sheet, and coat lightly with olive oil. Cook at 400˚F until crisp-tender – about 15 minutes.

We also like pureed cauliflower. Cut up a head of cauliflower and steam it until very tender. Place in a food processor and blend with a bit of tub margarine, a tablespoon or two of milk, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Potatoes: Potatoes have been blamed for weight problems and a greater risk of type 2 diabetes, but it’s difficult to believe that eating spuds as part of a balanced diet is the cause of what’s ailing us.

Potatoes provide carbohydrate, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. One medium potato has 110 calories, as long as they’re not fried or slathered in butter.

Stuffed baked potatoes are nearly a meal, and kids love them. Slice a medium baked potato in half lengthwise and reserve potato shells. Scoop out the inside and mash; mix with ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, 1 cup chopped, cooked vegetables, and your choice of seasonings. Spoon filling into the potato shells and sprinkle with ¼ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese. Bake on a baking sheet for 10 minutes in 400˚F oven or until cheese melts.

Stir leftover mashed potatoes into soup to increase nutrition, boost vegetable intake, and create a creamy texture.

As a registered dietitian and mother of three, I’ve never met a vegetable I didn’t like. That goes double for the vegetables my kids will eat without a fuss, including the pale ones like mushrooms, cauliflower and potatoes!

Fajitas have always been a favorite of mine because they are tasty no matter what I’m craving – beef, chicken or even veggie. This time I settled on using steak. It’s the perfect complement to the medley of crisp-tender spring veggies like onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. And besides, who doesn’t love the flavor-packed combo of steak and mushrooms?

This recipe was a total breeze to put together. While the steak marinated, I chopped all of my veggies and preheated the grill. In less than 15 minutes, I was ready to savor the flavors of vacation without having to leave my backyard!

If you share my love for fajitas and appreciate leisurely meal preparation, then you’re going to enjoy this Mushroom Steak Fajita recipe.



Mushroom Steak Fajitas (serves four)

Ingredients

• 12 oz sirloin or other boneless steak, about ¾-inch thick
• 1 tablespoon no-salt fiesta lime seasoning (Like Mrs. Dash), divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups sliced crimini mushrooms
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, sliced into strips
• 8- 6-inch whole wheat tortillas
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 4 tablespoons non-fat sour cream

Directions

1. Slice beef across the grain into ¼-inch strips. Place in a medium bowl with ½ tablespoon fiesta lime seasoning’ toss to coat.
2. Place mushrooms, peppers and onion and remaining fiesta lime seasoning in a large bowl; toss to coat.
3. Heat oil in large, non-stick skillet. Add beef strips; cook about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet. Place coated vegetables in skillet and sauté until vegetables are slightly tender, about 5-8 minutes. Add beef back to skillet and sauté mixture 1-2 more minutes.
4. Assemble fajitas by dividing beef-vegetable mixture evenly on each tortilla, top with remaining ingredients and roll up.

Mini Mushroom Quiche Caps

Many mushroom apps are easy to prepare, and they can be and budget-friendly, too.  Plus, they allow you to offer crowd-pleasing bites with different colors, flavors and textures. Serve ‘em on cocktail napkins for an easy clean up!

Stumped for ideas? Well, we’ve made a list and checked it twice. Serve one of these scrumptious ‘shroomy apps to bring holiday joy to all!

Stuffed Shrooms (Gluten-Free and Vegan) from Sassy Kitchen

Caramelized Onion, Mushroom & Gruyere Tartlets from Brown Eyed Baker

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Phyllo Bites from Kitchen Confidante

Caramelized Mushroom & Shallot Bruschetta from Shutterbean

When it comes to croissants, I tend to think of buttery, golden browned, flaky pastry treats, warm out of the oven. Perfection. And while there’s no need to mess with a good thing, I thought I’d take croissants to the next level by adding some mushrooms into the mix.

Usually I top my croissants with a light dollop of fruit jam, but making the switch from sweet topping to savory filling was a delicious change. Of course, I love anything with mushrooms, but wasn’t sure how well they’d be received with others. I brought over a batch of just-out-of-the-oven Mushroom Sage Croissants to our friends’ house for a football watching party and they were gobbled up in no time. They made the perfect game-watching finger food, and would be a hit at any holiday party or as an accompaniment to a savory breakfast spread.

Ingredients:

[Makes 8 croissants]

• 1 8-ounce container sliced baby bella mushrooms
• 1 8-ounce tube of refrigerated ready to use croissant rolls
• 10 fresh sage leaves, cut into thin strips
• 1 Tbsp canola oil
• Salt to taste

Heat oil in a skillet. Sautee mushrooms and sage over medium-high heat for about ten minutes, stirring regularly. Add salt to taste.

Drop about a tablespoon of mushrooms on the widest part of the rolled out croissant top. Roll croissant from wide part down to fold mushroom mixture into the croissant.

Bake croissants on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet according to package directions until they turn golden brown. Let cool slightly before eating.

Oh my.  Your humble Mushroom Channel Editor saw the photo above and emitted one sustained sigh of longing. This particular editor is of the opinion that blue cheese is the cheese of autumn, pairing beautifully with pears, apples, walnuts and the fiery fleshed root vegetables that herald the season.  So to have this in my inbox from Laura Sampson at a time where I did not have immediate access to blue cheese…well, there’s the sigh.

Luckily, in a few short hours, I will be back to a fridge that holds all three of these bits of goodness. Mushrooms, as I’m sure you’re aware, are incredible vehicles for tastiness in addition to providing their own savory flavor. My kitchen will start to smell as amazing as Laura’s did when she made them and my sigh will take on a tone of utter satisfaction rather than longing. Looking forward to it.

Looking for the perfect appetizer for a special occasion? Look no further, I present to you the appetizer of the year, the new social media darling Bacon Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms. Everything a stuffed mushroom should be, savory, tangy, meaty, tasty and a wee tad crunchy. This practically perfect bite will win over even reluctant mushroom lovers (do these people exist?)and make their mouths sing!

Bacon Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

• 24 medium to large mushrooms-cleaned and stems removed
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces of good blue cheese
• 2 teaspoons horseradish
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 1 garlic clove, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 ounces of good bacon, cooked and minced
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 350˚
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper
3. Lay out your mushrooms, stem side up
4. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, blue cheese, horseradish and milk
5. Add the garlic and bacon mixing well
6. Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between the mushrooms
7. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the mushrooms
8. Bake in a 350˚ oven for 18-20 minutes or until tops are browned
9. Let them rest 5 minutes before eating

Today’s holiday-inspired post comes to us from Mardi of Eat. Live. Travel. Write.

For my last Mushroom Channel contribution, I wanted to give a nod to the season. Yes, the season of joy and giving. And sometimes, the season of stress – shopping, entertaining, parties a go-go and constant cooking and baking.  Whilst I am the first one to challenge myself and take on too much, it’s not always good to be stressed out in the kitchen.  These appetizers are bite-sized yet really pack a flavour punch.  I love the Asian-inspired flavours that make a nice change from the sometimes-heavy holiday fare, and I think they would go well with a glass of champagne on Christmas Eve.

Wonton “Pizzas” with Asian-Style Mushrooms

Yield: About 20 hors d’oeuvres

Ingredients

• 20 wonton wrappers, cut into rounds (use a cookie cutter) and shallow fried until crispy (these can be made in advance and kept in an airtight container)
• 4-6 tablespoons mushroom (or vegetable) stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh shitake mushrooms, diced
• 1 cup brown mushrooms, diced
• 1 cup scallions, sliced finely
• 2 tablespoons Ponzu
• Juice and zest of one lime
• Fresh cilantro, to garnish

Method

Simmer the stock and add the ginger, garlic, mushrooms and scallions.

Season with the ponzu and lime juice, and reduce over a low heat until sauce has just about evaporated.

Add the lime zest and stir to incorporate.

Spoon a teaspoonful of the mushroom mixture onto the fried wonton wrappers and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Today’s Mushroom Pie post brought to you by the bella of the ball- Paula of Bell’Alimento.

Fall and Winter just call out to us to make bubbling casseroles, gratins, and savory pies…And what better to put in one of those savory pies than Mushrooms ; ) Torta Salata ai Funghi is a pie will that will be sure to go into your rotation during these cold months.

It’s creamy, cheesy and yes full of shroom goodness! Creamy because it’s made with a bechamel sauce {swoon}. Cheesy because it includes Provolone cheese melted to perfection. And of course there are 16 ounces of majestic mushrooms. All of that contained in a beautiful, flaky buttery package.

This is perfect to make ahead of time and pop it into the oven when you come home!

Torta Salata ai Funghi {Savory Mushroom Pie}
What you’ll need:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic – minced
16 ounces mushrooms – sliced
1 tablespoon flat leaf Italian Parsley – chopped
salt/pepper
4-6 slices of provolone cheese
2 pie crusts

1 egg – beaten
béchamel:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cups milk – heated
pinch of salt

What to do:
1. Into a sauté pan add olive oil and butter and heat over medium heat. When melted add: garlic, mushrooms, parsley. Reduce heat to LOW. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 10 minutes.

2. WHILE mushrooms are sautéing, prepare the béchamel sauce. Into a small sauce pan add butter and melt over medium heat. Add flour and stir with a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately two minutes, stirring constantly. Add heated milk and whisk to combine. Continue cooking until mixture has thickened. Once thickened pour mixture over sautéed mushrooms. Stir to combine. Set aside.

3. Spray a pie pan with cooking spray and place one of the pie dough discs into pan. Lay 2-3 slices of provolone cheese onto pie dough disc. Gently pour the mushroom mixture into pie pan. Cover with remaining 2-3 slices of provolone cheese. Cover with remaining pie dough disc. Gently crimp the edges to seal.

4. Place pie onto a cooking sheet. Using a pastry brush, brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg. Cook pie for approximately 35-40 minutes or until golden.

5. Allow pie to cool before slicing.

Buon Appetito!

If ever in need of a mood lift, throw a dinner party that’s potluck.  Invite an interesting mix of people, hand out food assignments early (quite easy: appetizer, side dish, salad, vegetable, dessert) – the host does the main entrée. Surprise! wine always seems to show up with the delicious eats.

Recently invited to a gathering of fellow high school classmates of my husband Larry’s, I felt the urge to go MUSHROOM.  Larry attended an all-boy’s Catholic prep school, Loyola High, so “the guys” were going to be the main focus of the evening. And we all know, guys do like mushrooms. Grilled, stacked and stuffed, try these Grilled Mushroom and Ham Crostini appetizers.”

GRILLED MUSHROOM AND HAM CROSTINI

16 whole mushrooms, approx. 1 ½ inches in diameter

2/3 cup olive oil, divided

¼ teaspoon minced garlic

3 teaspoons stone ground mustard, divided

Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 large baguette of bread (you will use approx. ¾ of the loaf)

1 cup diced ham

Fresh chives for garnish

Remove stems from mushrooms and carefully peel the caps (or brush with dry mushroom brush).  Place cleaned mushrooms in a medium bowl.  In a small bowl, blend together 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon mustard, garlic, and a little salt and pepper to taste.  Drizzle over mushrooms; gently mix around with a pastry brush to coat all inside and out. Set aside at room temperature for one hour.

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon mustard. Refrigerate.

In another small bowl, mix diced ham with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon mustard, refrigerate.

Cut 16 one-inch slices of bread, use remaining olive oil to brush both sides of each piece very lightly.  Heat grill to medium-hot; toast both sides of bread and remove to serving platter.

Grill the mushrooms starting with the smooth side down.  Turn over and cook the interior of the mushrooms.  You will see them darken in color and soften.  Once cooked through, place on a paper towel to drain until cooled to room temperature.

To assemble: spread about ½ teaspoon mayo-mustard mix onto the toasted bread. Top with mushroom interior side-up. Fill mushroom with diced ham mixture, top with a tiny dollop of the mayo-mustard mix and affix fresh chives.  Serve within an hour at room temperature, makes 16 appetizers.

Assembly Blueprint:

Breakfast: Portabella Eggs Benedict with Roasted Tomatoes and Pesto, brought to you by Healthy-ish

Lunch: Wild Mushroom and Cornbread Panzanella Salad, brought to you by Cookin’ Canuck

Dinner: Chicken Tetrazzini, brought to you by Poco-Cocoa