Oyster and Shiitake Mushroom Risotto with Fresh Herbs and Stilton

 

I am a MAJOR fan of mushrooms (and I mean the kind you cook with!). If you hate mushrooms, but the only ones you've ever tried are white button mushrooms from the market, you are really missing out! Recently I've been exploring using less common varieties in my dishes from Lobster mushrooms to Hen of the Woods to my new fave: Oyster Mushrooms. Many standard mushroom risotto recipes called for Portobello and dried Porcini, but I make mine with only fresh Oyster and Shiitake 'shrooms. I think this is a better and more fresh approach that keeps the focus on the fresh mushrooms and their flavors. This recipe makes a great entertaining meal, because you can serve 4-6 entree portions or 8-10 sides with this amount of risotto. You can also make it in advance and keep it warm until serving. Of course, it wouldn't be a Gour-Maybe meal if I didn't incorporate a few unusual ingredients - Stilton, cayenne, lemon zest and fresh oregano, rosemary and sage - that separate this risotto from the mushy masses. Skip your bicep workout that day friends, because you are going to be stirring your arm off! Mushroom mania begins after the jump.

Gour-Maybe? Grilled Cheese - Rye, Niman Ranch Ham, Cheddar, Fontina, and Pimento Cheese - Yes - Pimento Cheese

Sourdough

Rye

It's simple, easy, savory, reminds you of childhood and takes about 10 minutes to make. It's fabulous with soup, wonderful alone and delicious any time of day. It's the one, the only the Grilled Cheese Sandwich. So what makes a Grilled Cheese Sandwich stand out from the hundreds you've probably had in your lifetime? In my opinion, it's a plethora of amazing ingredients from the bread to the cheese and everything in between. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you have to go nuts with every GCS, sometimes plain is great. but try this, and tell me it's not better. My boyfriend said, "it's the best Grilled Cheese sandwich I've ever had" - he didn't even have the Rye bread because he's a Sourdough purist, so he was missing out. If you don't like Rye - then join his club and have the second best Grilled Cheese Sandwich ever. I add ham (Niman Ranch) to mine - if you are a vegetarian - then don't, but it's an amazing add. I also do a really good mayo inside the sandwich (Dukes). I also have a secret weapon - it's.......Pimento Cheese! I'm serious, it makes all the difference. Post Thanksgiving you might even try it with Turkey leftovers. Maybe? Get ready to grill with the ingredients, secret weapon and recipe after the jump.

Gour-Maybe Brunch Favorite - Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is my absolute favorite breakfast/brunch food. I love pancakes and waffles, but given the choice between savory and sweet breakfast foods, I will take the eggs any day!!! Eggs Benedict is challenging and daunting for a lot of people because of the sauce and egg poaching, but I promise, that is because you haven't tried it THIS WAY. This is true Gour-Maybe cooking - a classic recipe made easier (and I think more delicious!). Start with great English muffins (I use Bays) and great Canadian Bacon or Ham (I make mine with Niman Ranch Ham) and end up with an easy brunch in 10 minutes.