433587 Tue Aug 21 13:54:57 -0700 2007 6 31 Home Cooking 0 2867083 I am the proud recipient of a big, beautiful, chicken mushroom. It's over 4 pounds, and I'd like to try something new. I've already sauteed some in butter with onions and fresh herbs, and it's delicious, but I have so much left over. Any suggestions? Tue Aug 21 13:54:58 -0700 2007 23675 phofiend 1 2868498 Wrap florettes (about 1 1/2") in a thin strip of bacon! Great presentation and hey... it's bacon! Tue Aug 21 22:44:56 -0700 2007 2867083 39914 lunchbox 1 2869883 I think you're talking about a mushroom also known as maitake. I've been itching to do 'maitake en croute' - cooking it in a puff pastry crust, like they do truffles - because I adore that damp, woodsy aroma they have (actually sometimes reminds me of truffles!). Haven't done this yet, but it's on my list... Wed Aug 22 10:39:44 -0700 2007 2867083 10431 Gooseberry 1 2870178 You'll have more luck on the web if you look for recipes for "hen of the woods" mushrooms or Maitake. Here are some links that offer storing info and recipes: http://www.theforagerpress.com/fieldguide/maitake/preparing-maitake.htm http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/inseason/10093/ http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/recipes/detail~RecipeID~10.asp http://www.starchefs.com/features/farm_fresh/spring/2007/html/braised_p_west.shtml http://www.mitobi.com/maitake_recipes_home.html Wed Aug 22 11:44:30 -0700 2007 2867083 10644 Nancy Berry 1 2870664 In my opinion, a nice soft hen-of-the-woods omelet with a bit of Parmesan is the perfect dinner. Wed Aug 22 13:31:44 -0700 2007 2867083 28254 sagestrat 1 2870758 Everyone ... we have to be very careful here. Phofiend said Chicken of the Woods ... NOT Hen of the Woods. Wild Maitakes are Hen of the Woods. Although both are edible, one has to be careful with the Chicken of the Woods as they can be problematic if not handled properly. Example: Should not be eated raw, should not be ones growing on conifers (especially eastern hemlock or eucalyptus), only young specimen should be eaten or the soft edges of older ones, etc). Obviously, some have already been sampled, so all seems good. But, it's very important to be talking about the same mushroom. The Chicken of the Woods is one of my favorites, and is a great choice for inclusion in saucy dishes. Goes great with cream. Start off with some bacon or pancetta. Simple sauteeing followed by some white wine or sherry near the end until it gets absorbed and reduces, then finished off with cream.... If you Google the mushroom, you should be able to find lots more interesting recipes. Good luck. Wed Aug 22 13:50:21 -0700 2007 2867083 32251 minka 2 2870931 Sorry, my mistake. I thought that they were the same. Here's a picture of the chicken of the woods: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/laetiporus_sulphureus.html And here's a picture of Hen of the Woods: http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/JPEG'S/Mushroom%20Images/HenPhoto.jpg Wed Aug 22 14:26:53 -0700 2007 2870758 10644 Nancy Berry