Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms..Yummy Spring Harvest in Missouri

MAY AND JUNE 2013:  MISSOURI MUSHROOM BONANZA

Fresh Chicken of the Woods mushrooms harvested here in Missouri, Spring 2013

MY FAVORITE:  SAUTEED IN BUTTER WITH WILD ONION

MY SECOND FAVORITE:  ROLLED IN SEASONED FLOWER AND DEEP FRIED

THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR I'VE FOUND THESE OR EATEN THESE MUSHROOM....I WILL NEVER AGAIN SAY MORELS ARE THE BEST MUSHROOMS IN MISSOURI!  These mushrooms tasted just like chicken and grew in plentiful clumps around every corner.  I've read on most mushroom sites that the sulfur shelf or chicken-of-the-woods is a Fall mushroom, but I've found three large groupings in various locations here in Southwest Missouri and it appears everyone else walks past them to find Morels...That's okay, keep walking, I'll take the Chickens!   

SPRING FEVER

 I like to country cruise, much to my boyfriends dismay, and hijack various botanical samples / food / etc.  When he's willing to drive me about, listening to my constant botanical chatter, I find the most amazing things!  Last fall I snagged some HUGE puffball mushroom heads out of an old field.  I know, its not cool to steal mushrooms, but I am guilty!  

I'd never had them before last fall.  My sister and I used to kick them around when we were young.  They are in prime kicking form when they turn all brownish-green and powdery, but I had no idea you could ear them when they are young.  

RECIPE:  Prep is a snap!  Just peel off the outside thicker layer (if you want) I didn't do this step and they tasted just fine.  Then, soak em salt water for an hour if ya want.  Cube them and saute in butter with salt, pepper, and a little diced onion.  I thought they were awesome.  I tricked my kids into eating them and they thought they tasted like scrambled eggs (and they do).  I also added them to beef stew...really good stuff! 

I can't wait til spring!!  See next page for pictures