The morning kicked off with a dash of chaos. The alarm blared at 5:00, but I, against my usual nature, fell back into the sweet embrace of slumber. Naturally, I jolted awake at 5:50 to a text demanding my presence on a bike ride scheduled for 6:00. I promised to summon all my punctuality powers and dashed off, but alas, when I arrived at 6:02, the bikers had vanished. Poof!
Deflated but undeterred, I retraced my steps to take Griffin (my trusty canine companion) for his usual stroll. However, destiny had something else in store for me. As we strolled back home, I felt a magnetic pull toward the woods. And there, lo and behold, under my very feet, resting upon a decaying log, were the most splendid “Chicken of the woods” mushrooms. Cue the celestial chorus of good fortune!
In a state of disbelief, I snapped some pictures and promptly shared them with my wiser-than-me friend, seeking confirmation of my edible treasure. And behold! He confirmed that these indeed were the elusive “Chickens” of the fungal realm. Victory!
With a spring in my step and anticipation in my heart, I hurried back home, armed with a trusty knife, ready to harvest those magnificent mushrooms for a delectable dinner. Oh, the culinary delights that awaited us! You can find the recipe I used below:
Ingredients:
- Chicken of the Woods mushrooms
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs and spices of your choice (such as thyme, garlic powder, or paprika)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms thoroughly, ensuring there are no dirt or debris on them. Trim any tough or woody parts.
- Cut the mushrooms into desired sizes or leave them in larger pieces, depending on your preference.
- Toss the mushrooms in a bowl with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you desire for flavor.
- Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Bake the mushrooms in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the mushrooms.
- Once cooked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
