Drew’s makes his recipes simple and easy so you can spend your time enjoying the result instead of sweating the prep.  This month he’s bringing his philosophy of simplicity to the food itself by de-mystifying something you may think is too complex to deal with- growing your own mushrooms.

The fresh, light, nutty taste of mushrooms is great in everything from appetizers and salads to exotic meat dishes, but mushrooms can be expensive as a dietary staple.  Suppose you had your own “mushroom garden” that gave you a new crop every two weeks?  Here’s a short video that shows you how easy it is to do.  All you need is a log and a little shade.

Once you have your fresh ‘shrooms, try this recipe Drew adapted from Turback’s Restaurant for Garlic Sauteed Shiitakes.  And really, is there any other recipe you need for mushrooms?

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 6 ounces large shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Directions

• Prep time 10 minutes; yield 2 servings
• Combine butter and garlic in saute pan. Heat until butter is melted and garlic starts to sizzle, about 30 seconds. Do not let garlic brown.
• Add mushrooms and saute 3 to 4 minutes, turning until lightly browned. Season to taste with salt and pepper, sprinkle with parsley and serve.

OK, if you have your own mushroom farm it could get tedious eating even garlic sautéed mushrooms every day.  Click this link for 19 more Shiitake recipes from Mississippi Natural Products, a rural farmer’s cooperative that grows Shiitakes in south central Mississippi.