mushroom prep

[phoebe]

We need to brown loads of mushrooms for a garlic and mushroom pasta. This always takes about an hour (one saute pan at a time/one burner). How far ahead can we do this in terms of preserving taste and safety?

[cape chef]

2 days,

You can also start a batch in your saute pan then put them on a sheet pan and roast them brown and dry, as your doing this, start another batch.

[phoebe]

Great! Actually, we just wanted to get this part done earlier in the day. Should we refrigerate them or just leave them out?
And the sheet pan is a wonderful idea! Thank you so much.

[kuan]

Just don't let the boss catch you dumping them in the fryer! But I know you know better!

A broiler works well if you have one.

[chefboy2160]

Thats cheating kuan, Im telling mom you short cut artist..............

[kuan]

What what? I never said I actually did it?!?! I said just don't let the boss catch you!

[Suzanne]

Now, boys, play nice.

Gee, wouldn't a raw mushroom explode if dropped into the fryer ?

[CapeCodder]

Originally Posted by phoebe

We need to brown loads of mushrooms for a garlic and mushroom pasta. This always takes about an hour (one saute pan at a time/one burner). How far ahead can we do this in terms of preserving taste and safety?

You can do it day or weeks ahead. Cooked mushrooms freeze excellently.

In fact, if i get an load of mushrooms (usually a trip to PA), I will make quart containers of duxelle, freeze in ice cube trays and just grab what I need.

[travelchick]

CapeCodder -

I'd be very interested in your recipe for duxelle. That is a great idea to freeze it in cubes. I do that with demi-glace but never thought of duxelle. Mind sharing?

[CapeCodder]

Originally Posted by travelchick

CapeCodder -

I'd be very interested in your recipe for duxelle. That is a great idea to freeze it in cubes. I do that with demi-glace but never thought of duxelle. Mind sharing?

Chop mushrooms very very finely. Heat butter/oil mix (I use 2 to 1 butter/oil ratio) over medium heat in large skillet/saute pan. When butter/oil bubbles flatten in the pan, saute shallots (and some garlic, not a lot, if you wish) in medium pan until translucent.

Quantities depend on how many mushrooms you have and how much you like shallot flavor.

Increase heat to mediuim high, add finely chopped mushrooms. In a little while, mushrooms will begin to give off liquid and become aromatic. Continue with saute until mushroom liquor is evaporated/reabsorbed. Lower heat if they start to brown or browning aroma is smelled. Mushrooms will condense into a mash. Stop saute when no more liquid is left and mix is rather dry.

Cool and freeze in ice cube trays. I do not add salt as I found it increases mushroom liquids which I am only evaporating. Since I do not add salt, I do not add pepper, lest I become confused. I know S&P is needed when they are recooked.

Makes excellent stuffing alone or as ingredient for almost anything short of jelly donuts. Hmmm, maybe small unsweeted raised donuts duxelle as an appetizer???

Sorry for the rambling recipe. This is how I cook and I encourage those who ask for advice to cook the same way. IMHO, except for baked goods, highly structured recipes are the worst way for people to learn how to cook or improve their cooking.

good luck.

[travelchick]

Excellent, thank you!

And yes, I cook the same way. I don't usually follow recipes unless, like you said, I'm baking. I'm not really a baker though. That's more science with precise measurements or things simply don't work. I prefer cooking as I can just add this or that and see how it comes out. Not so critical on measurements, etc.

I've been cooking (well, seriously trying to learn) for about 5 years. It's quite amazing. For every single thing I learn, I discover 8 more things I need to know!

I always salt my mushrooms after cooking as well otherwise they weep much too much.

Thanks again