OH YUM!

Howdee all,

I have been out looking for edible mushrooms lately..

Look what I found!

Chicken of the Woods

Laetiporus sulphureus

When and where to find them (ecology) Chicken of the woods are most likely to be found from August through October or later but are sometimes found as early as June. This is a mushroom that is likely to startle you. It is very noticeable from long distance because of it's size and very bright colors.  It grows on many types of dead or mature trees with hardwoods such as oak, or beech being more likely than conifers. They grow very fast. Usually when you find it there will be a lot. "Geez, what am I going to do with all this?" Younger specimens can have a large amount of clear watery juice pour out of the fruit body and the wood immediately after cutting. It can run almost like a faucet. Really. That's "wet" collection and a good sign it will be a choice edible

 

Read more about Chicken of the Woods here..some great photos too!

 

Some of the specimens were a bit woody and had bugs..

I took some of the fresher pieces.

Tomorrow~

Chicken of the Woods Omelet

POLYPORE OMELET

3 Tablespoons butter
1 cup diced Chicken of the Woods
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cream cheese
2 or 3 shallots, diced
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
5 or 6 eggs
1/2 cup cream or half and half
Salt and pepper

• Melt the butter in a heavy frying pan over low heat.
• Beat the eggs and cream, add salt and pepper to taste; pour into the pan.
• As the eggs start to cook, sprinkle the Chicken of the Woods, cheese, shallots and parsley over the top.
• Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until the egg mixture sets.
• Fold the omelet over and remove from the heat; cover and let sit for 1 minute.
• ~Wells, M., M. Rogers, R. Piekenbrook & D. Piekenbrook (1987). Wild Mushroom Cookery. Portland, OR: The Oregon Mycological Society.

Comments A few people have sensitivity to this one so if it is your first time just try a small amount. Chickens found growing on conifers should be treated with more caution and are best avoided. Not everyone likes the texture. Nothing else looks like it.