Tip of the Week!!!

Do you like mushrooms? Do you cook with fresh mushrooms? Well, if you answered yes to both of these questions then this ‘Tip of the Week’ is for you. But before I share my tip — I would like to ask: “How do you clean your mushrooms??”

Do you soak them in water to wash away the dirt? Or maybe you use a special mushroom brush and give them a good scrub. Perhaps you do both. Maybe you are a mushroom guru & have different techniques for different types of ‘shrooms’. I would love to hear your habits — please share what has worked for you in the comments section.

The first thing I do (( which may sound obvious)): I select the cleanest mushrooms I can find.
Next, I clean them right before I am ready to cook with them & not a second sooner.
I fold up a paper towel & wipe off any visible dirt.

The end… oh, wait — water?? Well, I have read the reasons why the ‘dry-clean’ method is preferred & read why water-cleaning is fine, and after almost 20 years of cooking for myself ((and anyone else who comes in my path)), I have observed a few things that have caused me to commit to the dry-clean method.

I have found that when I soak mushrooms – I can’t get them dry again. They add extra ((immeasurable)) liquid to my sauce, quiche or filling. Last time I checked — “ain’t nobody got time for soggy quiche!” Soaked mushrooms are soggy & chewy — and they acquire a spongy texture that makes me want to gag when I think hard about it.

So – I do not EVER soak mushrooms.

What if the dirt and grit are overtaking the mushrooms?? I do have one more suggestion….Actually, I got it from Mrs. Child. Give the mushrooms a flash-rinse, dry vigorously with a paper towel and lay them out on a few layers of paper towels to air-dry until cooking time. They will forgive you & be fine.