Magic Mushrooms...

I have been asked several times in the last few weeks if I have a secret recipe for cooking the morel mushroom (not just you, Eric :).  I honestly don't.  I know the basics of cleaning them and I have fried other mushrooms but I have never personally cooked a morel myself.  I have eaten several, the best being made by the mother of a high school boyfriend.  Hers were wonderful and if I still remember them 17 years later then that is something.

I have, however, hunted for morels several times.  I have never brought in what I would call a huge haul but enough to feel like I had not just wasted 3 hours of my life.  I actually enjoy the quiet peaceful searching and the thrill of the find.  Sort of like hunting through piles of clearance shoes at DSW...

Morels, the edible wild mushroom, are prized for their smoky, nutty flavor.  They will need a thorough washing since they are riddled with nooks and crannies.

Picture courtesy of http://www.morels.com/

The wild variety is usually available from April through June.  Cultivated morels, on the other hand are available all year round.  Dried morels are also readily available but come at a high price.  Now these I have used.  I make a very yummy wild mushroom risotto :)

Choose fresh shrooms that have a firm yet spongy texture.  In general, the darker the mushroom the stronger the flavor.  Remember this is just my opinion.  I think there are as many mushroom theories floating around as their are small towns in southern Indiana!

Store fresh mushrooms so that cool air can circulate around them.  Place on a tray in a single layer, covered with a damp paper towel and refrigerate for three days.


Basic Fried Morels

Morels (big bunch)
Butter (3-4 tb)
skillet (non-stick is good...iron skillet is better)
Flour (1/2 cup or so)
Salt/Pepper to taste.
Melt butter in skillet on a low to medium heat.
Coat morels in flour by shaking in a ziploc bag.
Saute mushrooms (gently) in butter.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Eat.
**Note: This is just one of MANY ways to cook this fine fungus.  Please don't fill my inbox with complaints....Seriously.  I have already heard that my 1 example is not the true way to cook them.  Everyone has different tastes.  I have also used rice flour which I like better but experiment with it and see what works for you. 

I know you can buy morels at Bloomingfoods in Bloomington, Indiana right now.  They are pretty expensive, though.

Midwest Living Magazine