- Written by Madelaine Bullwinkel
WILD MUSHROOMS ON TOAST
Ingredients:
2 shallots, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon cognac
1 tablespoon white wine or champagne vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup crème fraÎche
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound wild mushrooms
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, leaves
2 teaspoons chervil or chives
3 cloves, garlic, minced
12 slices French bread
Sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Sauté the shallot pieces in butter until they are wilted and on the verge of browning. Add the cognac and cook another 30 seconds. Off the heat, stir in the vinegar and lemon juice. Fold in the crème fraÎche and season with salt and pepper.
Trim the stems from the mushrooms. If gritty, submerge them briefly in cold water. Drain and halve. Cut into thin strips. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, herbs and garlic pieces in a casserole. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven, stir in the shallot mixture and return to the oven for 3-4 minutes. Out of the oven, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Brush the bread slices with the remaining olive oil. Grill or broil to toast. Top with the morel mixture. Serve this as an hors d'oeuvre, as a starter course or with a salad for lunch.
