Mushrooms-
Mushrooms are a fungus that grow in moist places. You should choose mushrooms that are dry and firm, never slimy.
You should always wash your mushrooms with a damp towel, and pat them dry. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor to dishes. They can be served raw, broiled, grilled, roasted or sautéed. If you are using dehydrated mushrooms, soak them in boiling water for about 20 minutes, then drain and use. Do not add salt to your mushrooms until the end of the cooking time, or your mushrooms will lose their moisture.
Edible varieties of mushrooms include but are not limited to: button, cremini, Portobello, shiitake, oyster, and chanterelle. Only eat mushrooms from reliable sources since there are many mushrooms that are poisonous.
Mushrooms can be placed in a paper bag (not plastic because they need to breathe) and can be refrigerated for several days or up to a week. Do not clean your mushrooms until you are ready to use them. Mushrooms can also be dehydrated for future use. Mushrooms freeze well, simply clean, dry, and place them sliced in a plastic bag in your freezer.
Tip-
When you clean mushrooms, and you should, do not submerge them into water. Simply take a damp paper towel and wipe them down. Mushrooms are fragile and they also suck up moisture, you don’t want a water logged mushroom. Save those stems for veggie broth!
Here are some beautiful oyster mushrooms.
This takes the traditional stir fry of the bok choy to a fun level of taste sensation. The nuttiness of the sesame, the sweetness of the mirin and hoisin, the saltiness of the soy, the unami of the shiitake, it’s all good. Toss it with some rice or serve it on top and you have a yummy veggie thing going on.
Pick up some Fat Moon oyster mushrooms and this gives your fennel a happy place to rest. Caramelized onions can take the place of shallots, and anise liquor can take the place of fennel (though barely). Try it with homemade mayo!
A quick gravy to whip up while your chicken is resting, this is hearty and absolutely delicious. The shiitakes are sponges that soak up all of the goodness in the most delightful way. If available, toss some fresh herbs into the mix for an even deeper layer of flavor!
