Mushrooms in the garden

Today, while wandering about the yard, I stumbled upon several white softball sized things in the grass and garden beds. They were Calvatias, or Giant Puffball Mushrooms! Apparently, this is the time of year for them.

I had always heard to be very careful of mushrooms. In the past I would never have contemplated doing anything more than throwing them in the compost, but I was ambitious yesterday, so I looked them up and discovered that the variety I had in the yard was safe to eat.

Naturally, I was the only one who was willing to try them - even Tim was a chicken - but I don't regret not having to share ... they were delicious! This is what I did:

• Washed and peeled them - I read the skins can make some people have a tummy upset
• Chopped them
• Sautéed onions and garlic in some olive oil
• Added chopped mushrooms and a bit of chicken broth
• Cooked for about 10 minutes
• Sprinkled a bit of parmesan

Ate with relish! Yum!