Receta Irresistible Stuffed Mushrooms
Apologies for this post... it will probably lack wit; I was up most of the night with Noodle Nose and his 102.8 degree fever. Yeah. I'm feeling pretty good that I am even able to post something. The only reason I am up this early in the first place is because Honey had business to tend to and I unfortunately have to go to work despite my sick baby.
Anyway, I hosted a Shutterfly party at my house a while back and, of course, wanted to provide some delicious munchies. I enjoy doing this and it also provides me with fantastic blogging material; win win. The menu consisted of lettuce wraps, stuffed mushrooms and, I always provide cheese because it's a favorite among the crowd.
Note, I know they look rather 'messy' but they truly were delicious!
Sometimes the messiest food is the most tasty :)
These stuffed mushrooms were kind of a gamble... I was winging it moments before the party started. But they turned out quite delicious and, as the title says, irresistible. Simple, fun to eat and always a hit.
Need:
24 crimini mushrooms, we'll talk about their prep.
- 1/2 sweet white onion, diced fine
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced very fine (or better yet, food processor'd (sp.)?)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh chopped serrano pepper or red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp fresh spicy oregano, chopped
- 1/2 package faux 'sausage'
- 3 Tablespoons soyrizo
- Salt
- Pepper
3/4 ish cup shredded goat cheese (note: if you're vegan you can use Vegan Gourmet or some other vegan cheese... I have done it both ways and it's delicious)
Do:
With the mushrooms, brush them off with a cloth. You do not want to rinse them with water because that turns them to slime. I just use a cloth and brush away any excess anything. Then go ahead and cut their little stems off and scoop out the gills using a spoon. Be careful not to break them... I did with a few. Sometimes you can still salvage the broken ones.
In a large sautee pan, heat some oil and sautee the onion, garlic and pepper for 1 to 2 minutes.
To that, add the oregano and your faux sausage. When you add the faux sausage, make sure you 'piece' it off. It comes in a big log and it's pretty dense so it will be easier to break up in the pan if you break it up before you put it in the pan... that makes sense, right?
Let that cook for 2 to 3 minutes, continually breaking up the pieces of 'sausage' with your spatula or spoon. I just smash the pieces to they break apart. You want it to look like it's ground vs. mini meat balls.
From here, add the soyrizo and stir to combine. Taste your mixture. This is when you will add your salt and pepper.
Let this cook for another 5 minutes or so, turning the heat down to med/low. When everything is incorporated, turn the stove off and begin your next step: stuffing.
The cheese... you do not have to use goat cheese if you're vegan. If you're vegan you can use Vegan Gourmet or some other type of vegan cheese; just shred it. I have done these mushrooms both ways, as I normally do when something involves goat cheese. It is delicious both ways. I say this because sometimes the vegans get irritated that I add real cheese. It's ok, just use vegan cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350 (Note: if you're using a toaster oven, there is no need to preheat)
To stuff, start with a teensy bit of cheese or 'cheese' in the bottom of the cap. Cover that with some of your stove 'meat' mixture. When you add this, be sure to really pack it down. The second time I did these I washed my hands and just used them vs. a spoon. Much more 'pack' capability.
On top of your packed shroom cap, add a teensy bit of cheese. Voila. Seriously. It's that easy. Put it on a baking sheet and repeat repeat repeat.
When you have all of your little shroomies packed and cheesed or 'cheesed'... pop the baking sheet in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the cheese to be melty and the shroom to be 'soft' looking but not too soft, otherwise it will fall apart.
Serve:
I put them all on a tray for the party. If you're serving them as an appie, I suggest the plate. Then offer your guest teeny tiny appie plates that they can pile high. This appetizer looks like you spent a lot of time so you'll get the oohs and aahs that you deserve without all the effort. Ah!
This is a shot of Auntie's plate... lettuce wrap included... yum!
Enjoy!