Shittake Mushrooms

It is no secret that High Virginia is dry. This dosen't make for good wild mushroom gathering conditions. I have yet to see an Oyster Mushroom. Shaggy Manes are a few weeks away, if they make an appearance. Mushroom collecting in our region was dismal at best in 2010.
I did have an ace in the hole and most importantly remembered to play it. I innoculated some white oak limbs with Shittake plug spawn a few years ago. Last weekend, I soaked one of the limbs in water for 2 days. The mushrooms should be ready by the weekend.

They will probably go well with some venison steaks.







10" Shiitake Mushroom Log with the Shiitake Sampler Cookbook

Chicken of the Woods-Tomorrows' Meal

These Chicken of the Woods mushrooms were photographed on the morning of September 1. I am going to pick them tomorrow morning Sept. 3rd. They will be simmered in garlic and olive oil and will be topped with a nice juicy Brandywine. Kind of makes you want to drool dosen't it?






The Complete Mushroom Book: Savory Recipes for Wild and Cultivated Varieties