Mmm... from the Mound. (The Pitcher's Mound, that is.)

Well, we all (particularly Rowan) thought it would be fun to do a step-by-step, recipe-style post about mushrooms. (Even though he does not really like to eat them.) Rowan is really into those cooking videos on the Food Network website, so this is kind of a photo-essay version. I think it would be fun to let him make his own cooking video, but that is going to take a bit more time/effort/coordination/planning/you-name-it. We'll call this a trial round. ;)

Recipe: Mushrooms from the Mound
aka. Fried Shaggy Manes (freshly harvested from local baseball field)

Before you get started: Map out where you are going.

Step 1: Drag family outside to nearest baseball field, making sure it is a) Autumn, b) cool weather. Dress appropriately -- it is always helpful to wear bright colors to ensure you will not get lost out on the field. 

Step 2: Let four-year-old chase Canadian Geese around for several minutes. (This increases concentration & acuity of four-year-old.)

Step 3: Locate some Shaggy Manes (Coprinus comatus), aka., Shaggies, Shags, Lawyer's Wigs.
They should look like this:

NOT like this:

Step 4: Carefully collect your mushrooms, taking care to be sure they are indeed Shaggies & making sure not to take any that have begun blackening. Carry them in a basket or paper bag. Do not use plastic, unless you like slime. They need to breathe. Do your best to keep them as clean as possible when collecting. This will save you much effort in the next step.

Step 5: Clean your Shaggy Manes with a soft brush. A paintbrush works very well for this. They are very fragile & will get slimy with water, so dry cleaning is a must. When you have cleaned them, they should look like this:

Step 6: Slice your mushrooms into large pieces. Shaggy Manes are too delicate in both texture & flavor to cut into small pieces. 

As you slice, watch for critters. Cut them out. Critters are not part of this recipe.

Step 7: Melt butter in a small skillet over medium high heat. Add Shaggies. 

Sautee for 3-7 minutes or until they look like you want to eat them. Add salt to taste.

Step 8: Toast baguette slices. Top with Shaggies. Yumbo!
Variations: Shaggy Manes have a very delicate, sweet flavor. Try adding sauteed onions or garlic in moderation so as not to overwhelm the mushrooms. Try tossing them in pasta or just eat them right out of the pan with a spoon. Of course, if you are Rowan, you will give them a big Thumbs Up! & then refuse to eat them. Bon Appetit!