Mushrooms

It to write today about one of my favorite foods, mushrooms. Mushrooms are a fascinating life form. They are not animal, but they are also not exactly plants. Some biologists think they belong in a separate kingdom.

But, this is not a biology blog. Mushrooms are too frequently relegated almost to a garnish. Folks throw a few on a steak or salad to fancy them up. Sometimes, maybe some are tossed in a pasta sauce or omelet as a flavor element, but they actually do very well as the main ingredient.

Let mushrooms take the center and enhance them with garlic, onions, etc. and they taste will amaze you. They are cheap,  cook quickly, and satisfy hunger nicely, filling bur not too heavy. They are also nutritious.

In recent years, all sorts are available, portabellas, porcini, criminis, shitakes, and many others, but, today, I want to sing the praises of the button mushroom.

In the past, in America, the button mushroom was the mushroom of choice. Then, came all of the more exotic types, and, suddenly, the button became a shunned ingredient. While all the others are very good, the button is easily as tasty and has one bug advantage - it is much cheaper.

Just because an ingredient is exotic, does not make it more desirable, and it certainly does not justify higher cost. Use the button mushroom, save, money and enjoy its pleasant flavor. Use mushrooms to enhance flavor and as a main dish ) they are excellent meat substitutes.

One word of warning: unless you are highly trained, do not eat wild mushrooms. You may get lucky and pick a good one, or you may wind up in an emergency room.