STUFFED ITALIAN MUSHROOMS RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Remove the stems from 24 large cremini mushrooms (finely chop the stems for the filling).
• Wipe the caps clean with a damp paper towel, then toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt . Arrange on a baking sheet.
• Cook 4 ounces sweet Italian sausage (casing removed) in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink, 3 minutes. Add 1/2 finely chopped fennel bulb and the chopped mushroom stems and cook until tender, 3 minutes. Add 2 chopped garlic cloves, season with red pepper flakes and cook 1 minute. Let cool, then mix with 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup shredded fontina and 2 tablespoons each grated parmesan, chopped parsley and chopped green olives. Divide among the mushroom caps.
• Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then remove from the baking sheet.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Using your hands, lightly rub each portobello mushroom with 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
• Cook the sausage in a medium skillet until browned, about 4 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and mushroom stems and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
• Transfer sausage-vegetable mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Add, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, 1/4 cup of parsley, the Essence, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Pulse until mixture is finely chopped and comes together slightly, about 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the egg, and stir until well combined.
• Divide the filling among the mushroom caps, about 1/2 cup for each mushroom. Place the filled mushrooms on a baking sheet. Combine remaining 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan in a small mixing bowl. Divide the bread crumb mixture evenly among the tops of the mushrooms. Bake until golden brown on top and the mushrooms are tender, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with remaining tablespoon of parsley, drizzle with olive oil and vinegar and serve warm or at room temperature.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
• Published by William and Morrow, 1993.