"Mushroom Thingys"

Today was the first day of Kids Camp - "Fun"damentals week. We have such a sharp fun group of kids this week, they were very well behaved too. Not surprisingly, they loved everything we made today and it was tough for them to vote on their favorite dish to make for the parents on Friday. At the end of the week I will post pictures of the camp - but I thought in the meantime I'd share my favorite recipe from today. We focused mainly on knife skills, sauteing and appetizers - and this scrumptious recipe was one of the finger foods we made. It didn't get voted #1, despite my best efforts to convince them, but they LOVED it and it was a close call anyhow. We had to do quite a bit of convincing to get them to agree not to go home and tell their parents that they made "mushroom thingys" - - -

Crostini with Mushrooms & Cheese

Makes approx. 24 pieces

8 oz Cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 small white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 French baguette ( not sourdough )
2 garlic cloves, halved widthwise
Olive oil spray
Kosher or sea salt
1 cup Gruyere or other semi soft white cheese
Garnish: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese & 2 tbsp minced parsley


1. In a large heavy sauté pan, combine the olive oil and butter over medium high heat. Add mushrooms and cook without stirring, 5 minutes. Add onions and stir well then continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir, and then add garlic and thyme. Cook, stirring, about 2 minutes. Season with salt & pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Set oven to medium broil with the top rack positioned at the 2nd highest level.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

4. Using a serrated knife cut ¼ inch thick semi diagonal slices from the baguette.

5. Rub each slice on one side with a piece of the cut garlic.

6. Spray generously with olive oil and arrange on the baking sheet.

7. Sprinkle with salt.

8. Watching carefully, broil until just golden brown. You may have to rotate the baking sheet towards the middle of broiling of your oven has uneven heating.

9. When cooled slightly, top each Crostini with a small mound of gruyere cheese and then a small amount of the mushroom mixture. Sprinkle evenly with parmesan cheese.

10. Return pan to oven to broil once more, just until cheese melts ( watch carefully!).

11. Sprinkle with minced parsley & serve.