Ingredients: Mmm...morels

Morels are found in various wooded places, mostly throughout North America and Europe, but as they are unpredictable and somewhat elusive (they must have chatted with the truffles), there is indeed a hunt involved in getting them to the table for feasting.

Dedicated mycophagists (people who eat mushrooms) head out in packs for spore sightings, and there is even a National Morel Mushroom Hunters Association in the U.S. to coordinate the effort. Though such hunters are always in search of the ultimate morel mother lode, if one is lucky enough to find a dozen, one has discovered a bounty. Such scarcity has led to a high price in the marketplace, but thankfully they are nowhere near the price of truffles.

Important note: There are “false morels” to be found in the woods, some of which are highly toxic, so we suggest that unless you plan to go with an experienced forager to hunt these, please purchase them from a reputable grocer. You can also buy them dried if they are out of season. Lest we have not yet included enough legal disclaimers, there will be at least one more in this dossier. (read more)

Mise en Place: Mother's Day Dinner Party

Mom is a very special woman. You know it, we know it, and on Mother's Day it's time to show it. Though she would likely be satisfied with mud pies, we've gone slightly more elegant with this beautiful yet simple dinner menu. This way she can relax with a glass of wine while you get supper on the table - and you can spoil her for a change. (We've included notes for the wines below, too.)

A cacophony of Spring dishes is the way to win any Mom's heart. With vivid colors, bright flavors, and simple preparation, this menu is a sure winner.

Recipe: Roasted Prawns with Morels & Red Curry Butter

The meaty texture of the morels combined with the spicy heat of the Red Curry Butter gives these prawns a delightfully tasty topping!

gilded fork, recipes, prawns, shrimp, curry, morel mushrooms