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July 3, 2010

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Filed under: Health — Tags: — admin @ 8:44 am

Mushrooms are valuable health food – low in calories, high in vegetable proteins, chitin, iron, zinc, fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins & minerals. Mushrooms also have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Their legendary effects on promoting good health and vitality and increasing your body’s adaptive abilities have been supported by recent studies. These studies suggest that Mushrooms are probiotic – they help our body strengthen itself and fight off illness by maintaining physiological homeostasis – restoring our bodies balance and natural resistance to disease.

Agaricus Mushroom

Agaricus is the most widely consumed mushroom in many countries, where it is regarded as a health food, due to its medicinal properties. Agaricus is traditionally known as “God’s Mushroom” because of its near miraculous curative benefits to a wide range of disorders. People have used it to overcome numerous diseases and disorders relating to the immune system, cardiovascular system, digestion, and for weight management, diabetes, chronic and acute allergies, cataracts, hearing difficulties, stress syndrome, chronic fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and disorders of the liver.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps can be a powerful stimulant for macrophage activity, strengthening your immune system’s ability to fight against bacterial and viral infection. Human clinical studies indicate that Cordyceps can be effective for treatment of high cholesterol, poor libido/impotence, arrhythmia, lung cancer, and chronic kidney failure. It is also reported that Cordyceps causes smooth muscle relaxation. This can make it especially helpful for treating chronic coughs, asthma, and other bronchial conditions.


Maitake Mushroom

Maitake is also known by the name Dancing Mushroom, famous for its taste and health benefits. In Japan, Maitake Mushroom is called “King of Mushroom”. The fruiting body and the mycelium of Maitake are used medicinally. In China and Japan, Maitake Mushrooms have been consumed for 3000 years. Years ago in Japan, the Maitake had monetary value and was worth its weight in silver. Historically, Maitake has been used as a tonic and adaptogen. It was used as a food to help promote wellness and vitality. Traditionally, consumption of the mushroom was thought to prevent high blood pressure and cancer – two applications that have been the focal point of modern research. Clinical research with Maitake Mushroom has increased dramatically in the past several years. Laboratory studies have shown that Maitake Mushroom extract can inhibit the growth of tumors and stimulate the immune system of cancerous mice.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi has been called an “immune potentiator.” Recent studies have indicated that Reishi can have a number of other effects: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiviral through inducing interferon production, Lowers blood pressure, Cardiotonic action through lowering serum cholesterol, Expectorant & Antitussive, Liver (Hepatitis)-protecting and detoxifying, protection against ionizing radiation, Antibacterial, and Anti-HIV activity. Reishi contains calcium, iron and phosphorus as well as vitamins C, D, and B – including pantothenic acid, which is essential to nerve function and the adrenal glands.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake (for centuries called “Elixir of Life” ) has been licensed as a anti-cancer drug by the Japanese FDA. Lentinan has shown some effect on bowel cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer. Lentinan stimulates the production of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and can potentiate the effect of AZT in the anti-viral treatment of A.I.D.S. Shiitake is rich in several anti-oxidants (Selenium, Uric acid & Vitamin A, E, & C) as well as Vitamin D. Shiitake mushrooms may also lower blood pressure in those with hypertension, lower serum cholesterol levels, increase libido, stimulate the production of Interferon which has anti-viral effects, and has proven effective against Hepatitis in some cases.

Yun Zhi Mushroom

Yun Zhi, or the Cloud Mushroom, has been used to dispel dampness, reduce phlegm, treat pulmonary infections, to strengthen the tendons and bones, for vital energy, and to support liver health.

Benefits * assists with immune function * high in vegetable proteins * promotes good health and vitality

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June 28, 2009

Artichoke and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , — Anna @ 1:56 am

Crusty Italian bread and a simple salad round out a delicious meatless meal. What to drink: A robust Italian Barbera.

Makes 8 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • filling
  • 2tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
  • 1pound mushrooms, sliced
  • 3garlic cloves, minced
  • 28-ounce packages frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, coarsely chopped
  • 1cup dry vermouthbéchamel sauce
  • 4 1/2tablespoons butter
  • 4 1/2tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 4 1/2cups whole milk
  • 2 1/2cups freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 7 1/2 ounces)
  • ground nutmeg19-ounce package oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles
  • 1pound whole-milk mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS For filling:Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and garlic; sauté until mushrooms release juices and begin to brown, about 7 minutes. Add artichokes and vermouth. Cook until liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

For béchamel sauce:Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour; stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until sauce thickens and lightly coats spoon, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Parmesan. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg.

Spread 2/3 cup béchamel sauce over bottom of 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Top with enough noodles to cover bottom of dish. Spread 1/4 of artichoke mixture over. Spoon 2/3 cup béchamel sauce over. Top béchamel with 1/4 of mozzarella.

Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons Parmesan. Top with enough noodles to cover. Repeat layering 3 more times, finishing with a layer of noodles, then remaining béchamel. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover with foil and refrigerate.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake lasagna covered with foil 1 hour (or 1 hour 15 minutes if chilled). Remove foil. Increase temperature to 450°F. Bake lasagna until golden on top, about 10 minutes longer.

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June 15, 2009

Grilled Mushroom Salad with Frisee and Hazelnuts Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , , , — Anna @ 2:56 pm

Judy Rodgers is currently working on a cookbook from her Zuni Café in San Francisco. Grilling the mushrooms for this salad (which will appear in the new book) intensifies their flavor.

Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4cup hazelnuts
  • 1garlic clove, halved
  • 1lb fresh exotic mushrooms such as chanterelle, cremini, and shiitake, trimmed (discard shiitake stems)
  • 1 1/2tablespoons champagne vinegar or white-wine vinegar
  • 3/4teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1(8-oz) head frisée (french curly endive), trimmed and torn into bite-size pieces
  • 1teaspoon hazelnut oil or white truffle oil (optional) special equipment: 6 to 8 wooden skewers

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F.Roast nuts in a shallow baking pan in middle of oven until toasted, 10 to12 minutes. Wrap in a kitchen towel and rub to remove skins from nuts(not all skins will come off). Cool nuts and coarsely chop. Rub a large salad bowl with cut sides of garlic, then discard garlic and add nuts to bowl.


Prepare grill for cooking or preheat broiler.


Thread mushrooms horizontally through caps onto skewers and arrange on a baking sheet. Whisk together vinegar and salt in a small bowl, then gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Add pepper to taste.


Brush a few tablespoons vinaigrette onto mushrooms and grill 4 to 6 inches over glowing coals, turning once, until mushrooms are golden and tender,3 to 5 minutes. (Alternatively, mushrooms can be broiled.)


Working quickly, remove mushrooms from skewers and slice 1/4 inch thick. Add to salad bowl with frisée, remaining vinaigrette, hazelnut oil, and salt and pepper to taste and toss well.

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June 5, 2009

Seared Halibut with Portobello Mushroom Vinaigrette Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , , , — Anna @ 7:31 pm

Portobellos make this simple dish shine. It’s from Alfred Portale’s
12 Seasons Cookbook written with Andrew Friedman (Broadway Books).


Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • for portobello vinaigrette
  • 1lb portobello mushrooms, stems discarded and caps sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 1/4cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1cup reduced-sodiumchicken broth
  • 1tablespoon sherry vinegar or rice vinegar (not seasoned)
  • 1tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1tablespoon minced shallot
  • 1/4teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3/4teaspoon kosher salt
    for steamed spinach
  • 2cups water
  • 1 1/2lb baby spinach
  • 2tablespoons unsalted butter
    for halibut
  • 4(1 1/4-inch-thick) pieces halibut fillet (1 1/2 lb total), skinned
  • 2tablespoons extra-virginolive oil

DIRECTIONS Prepare mushrooms and vinaigrette:
Cook mushrooms in 1 tablespoonoil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about5 minutes. Add broth and simmeruntil mushrooms are tender,about 5 minutes.


Transfer mushrooms with a slotted spoon to a plate and keep warm, covered. Boil liquid in skillet until reduced to about 1/3 cup. Transferto a bowl and cool. Whisk inremaining oil, remaining vinaigrette ingredients, and pepper to taste.


Steam spinach:
Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add half of spinach and cook, covered, until leaves are wilted,1 to 2 minutes. Stir in remaining spinach and cook, covered, until tender,about 2 minutes more. Drain wellin a colander, pressing on spinach witha large spoon. Return spinach to pan and stir in butter and salt and pepperto taste. Keep warm, covered.


Prepare halibut:
Pat halibut dry and season with salt and pepper.


Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, thencook fish until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.


Arrange halibut, spinach, and mushrooms on 4 large plates or bowls. Spoon vinaigrette over each serving.

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June 3, 2009

Roasted Asparagus and Wild Mushroom Fricassee Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , , — Anna @ 7:29 am

Roasting the asparagus intensifies its flavor and is easy to do.

Makes 4 (first-course) servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1pound medium asparagus, tough ends trimmed
  • 2teaspoons olive oil3tablespoons butter
  • 1large shallot, minced
  • 12ounces assorted wild mushrooms (such as crimini, oyster, chanterelle, and stemmed shiitake), sliced
  • 1/2cup dry white wine
  • 1tablespoon minced fresh italian parsley
  • 1teaspoon minced fresh tarragon

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 475°F. Arrange asparagus on rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle oil over and turn to coat. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast until just tender, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot; sauté 1 minute. Add mushrooms; sauté until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Cover; cook until mushrooms are tender, about 3 minutes. Add wine; cook uncovered until wine is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Stir in parsley and tarragon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Divide asparagus among 4 plates. Top each serving with mushrooms.

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May 29, 2009

Pepper Steak with Port, Zinfandel, and Mushroom Sauce Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , , , , — Anna @ 4:57 pm

Jason Corrigan, chef at A Touch of Garlic in Springfield, Massachusetts, writes: “In the past, I’ve worked at large restaurants, catering to hundreds of people every night. That alone taught me every possible shortcut to speed up the cooking process: For instance, slicing raw potatoes to reduce boiling time, pounding meat thin so it cooks more quickly, and of course, the mise en place — getting everything prepped so you’re just reaching for ingredients at the last minute.”

Pounding the meat reduces cooking time.

Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3tablespoons butter
  • 2large shallots, sliced
  • 1 1/2pounds mushrooms, thickly sliced
  • 1tablespoon all purpose flour
  • 1cup zinfandel
  • 1/2cup ruby port
  • 1/2cup low-salt chicken broth11 1/4-pound top sirloin steak, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick
  • 3/4teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots; sauté 2 minutes. Add mushrooms; cover and cook 5 minutes. Uncover and sauté until mushrooms are browned, about 10 minutes. Add flour and stir 1 minute. Add Zinfandel, Port, and broth. Boil until sauce thickens enough to coat spoon thinly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Meanwhile, place steak between sheets of waxed paper. Using mallet or rolling pin, pound steak to 1/2-inch thickness. Coat both sides of steak with 3/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in another heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak to skillet and cook to desired doneness, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer steak to work surface; do not clean skillet. Add mushrooom sauce to skillet; bring to simmer, scraping up any browned bits.

Thinly slice steak; transfer to platter. Spoon mushroom sauce over and serve.

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May 4, 2009

Mushroom Salad with Endive and Roquefort Cheese Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , , , — Anna @ 5:07 pm

The delicate grapeseed oil in the dressing allows all the delicious flavors to come out. Regular vegetable oil can be substituted.

Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2tablespoons minced shallot
  • 1 1/2tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1/2teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4cupgrapeseed oil4heads belgian endive, thinly sliced
  • 8ounces large button mushrooms, stemmed, caps cut into matchstick-size strips
  • 4radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced
  • 1tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
  • 4tablespoons crumbledroquefort cheese (about 1 1/2 ounces)

DIRECTIONS Whisk first 4 ingredients in small bowl to blend. Whisk in oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Mix endive, mushrooms, radishes, and tarragon in large bowl. Pour dressing over; toss to coat. Divide salad among 4 plates. Top with cheese and serve.

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April 29, 2009

Porcini Mushroom and Barley Soup with Pancetta Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , — Anna @ 1:56 pm

INGREDIENTS

  • 4ounces pancetta or thick bacon slices, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
  • 1/2cup chopped shallots
  • 1/2cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/2cup finely chopped celery
  • 2garlic cloves, minced
  • 2cups water
  • 2cups beef stock or canned beef broth
  • 1 1/2cups chicken stock or canned
  • low-salt chicken broth
  • 1/2cup pearl barley
  • 1/2ounce dried porcini mushrooms,* brushed clean of grit2large swiss chard leaves, thinly sliced crosswise (about 2 cups packed)
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • shaved romano cheese

DIRECTIONS Cook pancetta in heavy large pot over medium-high heat until crisp, about 6 minutes (if using bacon, drain off excess drippings). Add shallots, carrots, celery and garlic to pancetta in pot; cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water, both stocks, barley and porcini and bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer until barley is tender, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.)


Add chard to soup; cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with oil. Top with cheese.


*Dried porcini mushrooms are available at Italian markets, specialty foods stores and many supermarkets nationwide.

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April 19, 2009

Mushroom Crepes with Poblano Chile Sauce Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , , , — Anna @ 2:10 pm

Crepas Rellenas de Hongos con Salsa de Chile Poblano

Wild mushrooms stand in for cuitlacoche (corn fungus), which is a delicacy in Mexico.

Makes 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • crepes
  • 2cups whole milk
  • 3large eggs
  • 2tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled
  • 1teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2cups sifted all purpose flouradditional melted buttermushroom filling
  • 1/3cup corn oil
  • 2cups chopped white onions
  • 1pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, caps thinly sliced
  • 2tablespoons minced fresh epazote or fresh cilantro
  • 4teaspoons finely chopped garlicsauce
  • 6large fresh poblano chiles2tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4cup chopped white onion
  • 1small garlic clove, minced
  • 3tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2cups warm whole milk
  • 1/2cup whipping cream1cup coarsely grated queso manchego* or muenster cheese (about 4 ounces) 3tablespoons corn oil
  • 1/2cup fresh corn kernelsfresh cilantro sprigs

DIRECTIONS For crepes:
Blend milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and salt in blender 5 seconds. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time,blending batter until smooth after each addition. Let rest 1 to 2 hours. Reblend batter 5 seconds before using.

Heat nonstick skillet with 7- to 8-inch-diameter bottom over medium-high heat; brush with melted butter. Pour 3 tablespoons batter into skillet; swirl skillet to coat bottom evenly. Cook until bottom of crepe is golden, about 30 seconds. Loosen edges gently with spatula and turn crepe over. Cook until bottom is brown in spots, about 30 seconds. Turn crepe out onto paper towel. Repeat, making about 16 crepes and stacking between paper towels. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Wrap and chill.)

For filling:
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, epazote, and garlic. Sauté until mushrooms are brown and mushroom liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

For sauce:
Char chiles directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag 10 minutes. Peel, seed, and thinly slice chiles.

Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds. Stir in flour (mixture may be firm). Sauté 1 minute longer. Whisk in warm milk and bring to boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until sauce thickens, whisking occasionally, about 5 minutes. Pour sauce into blender. Add cream and half of roasted chiles (reserve remaining chiles for garnish). Blend sauce until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Whisk over medium heat until just warm before continuing.)

Brush small baking sheet with oil. Arrange 1 crepe, brown spots up, on work surface. Place 2 packed tablespoons filling in center. Fold crepe in half. Fold in half again, forming triangle. Place filled crepe on prepared sheet. Repeat with 11 more crepes and all of filling. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with foil and chill.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour 1/4 cup sauce into center of each of 6 ovenproof plates. Top each with 2 filled crepes. Pour 1/4 cup sauce over. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until cheese melts, about 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add reserved poblano chiles and corn; sauté until heated through, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with salt.

Garnish crepes with sautéed chiles and corn, then cilantro sprigs, and serve.

*Light yellow, semi-soft mild cheese that is different from the aged Spanish cheese of the same name. Substitute mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Muenster.

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April 17, 2009

Wild-Mushroom and Potato Stew Recipe

Filed under: Recipes — Tags: , , , , — Anna @ 11:28 am

This Boston-area restaurant is dedicated to using locally grown organic produce.

Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2tablespoons olive oil
  • 2medium onions, coarsely chopped
  • 1pound assorted wild mushrooms (such as crimini and stemmed shiitake), coarsely chopped
  • 1/2cup dry white wine
  • 1teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 1/2cups vegetable broth
  • 1 3/4pounds white-skinned potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 2large carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
  • 1/4cup soy sauce
  • 1large head of bok choy, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide slices

DIRECTIONS Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté until golden, about 8 minutes. Add mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 8 minutes. Add wine and thyme; boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add next 4 ingredients; cover and simmer gently until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Stir in bok choy; simmer uncovered until tender, about 8 minutes.

Using slotted spoon, transfer 3/4 cup potato pieces to small bowl; mash with fork. Return mashed potatoes to pot; simmer until juices thicken, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve.

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