Do you like mushrooms?
I DO!
I used to hate them actually. Along with tomatoes and most vegetables. Then somewhere along the way I acquired the recognition of their taste, and then a little later, liked them.
I traveled to Whole Foods this morning to purchase some special ingredients for a competition I’m participating in…
In honor of September being National Mushroom Month, a grouping of Mushroom Associations from around the world [Australian Mushroom Growers Association, Mushrooms Canada and The Mushroom Council (US)] invited 12 food bloggers to compete in The Mushroom Masters, A Tournament of Taste. Each week during the month of September, three different bloggers from different countries will create original recipes using that week’s featured mushroom variety. Perhaps you have already seen Canada’s Portabella entry from Miss Oh She Glows?
I’m a wild card and will be making a debut in a few weeks….until then…behold the fungus
I spent a long time tweaking the recipe this morning (with Matt’s help) and we nibbled on PLENTY of ingredients!! 
Had to taste test a few too. After all the photography concluded, we feasted.
Matt assembled mixed greens salads with some leftover ingredients and the Garlic Gold Lemon dressing.
Pretty much my whole meet was either fat or vegetable. It left my stomach feeling pretty weird. (But the ‘shrooms tasted amazing!!!!!)
After our feast, we had to make a 2PM appointment to tour a house that Karen is interested in renting. If I haven’t said yet, she rented her condo in Charlotte and will be moving up to Charlottesville on September 22! She’s going to be our bookkeeper at the bakery (and ever since she left Cville after Matt was born she’s wanted to come back).
BOTH options we saw were good choices – the first was clean and modern a bit outside of town
And walking trails!
On our way to the next appt, we had 30 minutes to kill and were right around the corner from Beer Run. I think Beer Run defines Charlottesville for me.
Matt talked me into buying one of each of these new pumpkin beers (he didnt’ have to try hard 
)
It took a little more coaxing to get me to share a pint mid-day, but I conceded. (OK, that wasn’t that hard either!) I didn’t think this Octoberfest was very Octobery. More June.
House #2 was historic and updated and I liked it a lot!
Which will she choose!?
I’m feeling that "I’m hungry but I’m full" sensation – going to have a snack soon! Plans for yoga this evening – and butternut squash!!
Gotta go work on my recipe some more – ta-ta!
{ 81 comments… read them below or add one }
i LOVE stuffed msuhrooms! yours look amazing!
I JUST ate Angela’s entry right before I sat down and read this post. I have a mushroom food baby now
I used to hate mushrooms too, but now I love them… as long as they stuffed or sauteed.
I love the first one but the kitchen is the second is GORGEOUS!
I like the second one…
I love mushrooms. But not raw. They taste kinda rubbery(?) raw to me.
Beer in the middle of the afternoon – that’s the life!
Despite being all fat and veg – I’d definitely eat your lunch! Yum!
I like both of the homes and how exciting for you all to have her move so close to you!
I’m interested in the Pumpkin Ale….good? Looks good anyway!
I am NOT a fan of mushrooms, but I really try to be! I think I give them a shot about once a month. So far, no dice…
Oh my gosh, I LOVE mushrooms!!! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!
Did you take that first picture? If so, I’d love to hear how– I love photos with bright backdrops like that, but have yet to figure out how to take them myself!
A blue plastic cutting board!
So simple, geez!!! Thanks!
Mushrooms have ALWAYS been one of my favorite vegetables! They are like the filet mignon of vegetables- so meaty and rich! And is that Schlafly’s Pumpkin Ale I spy? Our neighborhood beer bar had it on tap for DC Beer Week but I missed it! I’m going to have to find it on the shelves somewhere to try.
I wanna come work at GH too
I adored ‘shrooms as a child…then started hating them and now love ‘em again. Can’t wait for the recipe!
The staircase in #1 is gorgeous
Like you… I use to dislike mushrooms… now I love em’
Have a great yoga class!
I am a mushroom lover, but my mom doesn’t like them, so when I’m at home we rarely cook with them. And when I’m at college the only mushrooms I ever see are raw ones on a salad bar… exciting, not. These look good though! I’m not sure what ingredients you used, but if it’s meatless, I’m all over it!
I also only recently acquired the taste for mushrooms, while living in London and they seemed to be extremely plentiful at farmer’s markets.
And yum pumpkin ale, one of my favorite things about fall!!
Those mushrooms look amazing, and that 2nd apartment looks super cute!
I like mushrooms on pizza, in salads, in pasta, etc, but I don’t usually like them on their own. They just don’t taste like anything — thats how it seems to me.
I don’t mean to pry, but is there a reason that you/Matt and Karen are each renting houses instead of buying?
For a handful of reasons…we wanted to get to know the area and neighborhoods before buying again. And we aren’t even sure we could get a mortgage with just one (web-based) job. Karen owns her condo in Charlotte and can’t own two places, but I don’t think any of us wanted to commit to buying in a new place.
I think getting to know the area is a good idea. It took us 5 years and 3 different neighborhoods to find the right neighborhood for us. Of course it is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in town, but we like it here a lot.
I love mushrooms! Though, I didn’t used to – it’s amazing all the vegetables that I like now that just did not appeal to me before.
Can I come over for more recipe testing?
Those mushrooms looks so yummy!
I have always adored mushrooms and those look sooooo good! Have a good night at yoga!
ooh, decisions decisions! i like the second one a bit more…the kitchen!!!
but the first one has a more cute cottagey feel. hmmm..tough choice!
those mushrooms look gooood!
you were looking for signs of fall- oktoberfest? pumpkin beer? boom!
Yum! Your mushrooms look amazing! I like the second house best.
The walking trails near #1 are a plus! Are those cranberries in the mushrooms and hazelnuts?
When I was really little I loved mushrooms. I have a vivid memory of my mom taking me in the yard to see mushrooms that grew in the grass. I suppose she was afraid I’d eat one so she taught me to step on the ones you see outside, and only eat the ones a grown-up made.
Even as an adult I still get the urge to squash the little yard mushrooms when I see them peeping through the grass!
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale?! Schlafly is quite possibly one of my favorite breweries! They’re based in St. Louis – I had no idea they distributed that far! Their Pumpkin Ale is pretty great, but keep an eye out for their Pale Ale because it’s hands down their best brew.
House number 2!!!
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale is my favorite pumpkin beer and I’ve tasted lots of them. The others aren’t worth your time. And yes I’m a native St. Louisan so I’m biased.
oh i can’t wait to eat butternut squash again!!
Tough choices now. I was totally supporting Angela, but now I love yours also. Best of luck to both, sounds like a fun competition.
Wow! I didn’t know that you got Schlafly beers all the way out in Virginia!!? That’s awesome! They are a very popular brewery here in St. Louis!
that hungry but full sensation is always so confusing…
I forced myself to like mushrooms. Grew up hating them. I’m somewhere between tolerating them and liking them. I like them when they’re not the star of the dish.
That second house looks super cute, except for maybe that fire place. Is that just a free standing fireplace in front of a mantle? A little strange looking…
I dont like mushrooms but you make them look so good! I like both houses!
PUMPKIN BEER! Just had my first of the season Monday. It was delicious, and I’m working on justifying another … three day weekend sounds like a good reason to me!
Mushrooms are one of my least favorites food but your mushrooms look SO good!
I love mushrooms, and yours look delicious!
I am soooooooo getting revved up for pumpkin ales this fall. Alas, we live in Pennsylvania, where you can only buy beer by the case, or at exorbitant prices for a six-pack from dirty delis. *Grumble, grumble.* It takes away some of the allure of seasonal brews, and makes it hard to experiment with different brands.
I also used to hate mushrooms and tomatoes but I’m slowly coming to appreciate their flavour!
wow, both of those houses look beautiful!
I love that you can buy the bottles individually! Are the more expensive that way? Good luck with the mushroom challenge!!
-Fellow Former Mushroom-Hater
I love mushrooms! Those look amazing.
Kath, have you noticed that your comments are lagging on DH at all? I seem to be having a problem with mine; they’re coming in days later for some reason!
Jenn
I’m super psyched for your forthcoming butternut squash creation – I just bought my very first one and have no clue what to do with it!!
izzyy
xox
Stuffed mushrooms are the best and you can fill them with practically anything! Can’t wait to find out more about that recipe!
This post is like house hunters… Now I’m dying to know?!
I love mushrooms, but I am no master. I still refuse to just wipe them, and insist on washing and water-logging them. Whatever those little stuffed beauties are, I cannot WAIT to read all about them. So fancy.
Those mushrooms look delicious!! That pumpkin ale sounds amazing. Does it actually taste like pumpkin?
Loooving the shots of the mushroom recipe, can’t wait for the reveal. I am excited to see mushroom recipes featured on blogs for this contest. My boyfriend despises them so I guess that just means more delicious ‘shroom recipes for me
I think I’m a modern kind of girl- I love the first house!
What a great looking mushroom dish! Great job!
I missssssssssssssssssssssssssss you guys!! I have an interview for a nanny position in Cameron Wood + it reminded me of you guys in south charlotte!!
I love mushrooms in pasta sauce and on pizza. Actually, I love mushrooms in most dishes, but they tend to hurt my tummy so I have to stay away. Sharing a pint with the husband midday sounds IDEAL.
Like you I used to DESPISE mushrooms ( mostly due to overeating Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup as a child) but now I LOVE them..
yours look delicious!!
Both homes are beautiful, but that first staircase.. WOW!!!
I always get frustrated that there are too many vegetables I don’t like (I can’t stand tomatoes and I don’t like beets or olives.) I decided mushrooms could NOT go on that list. Turns out I really like them. Much better cooked than raw though for sure.
I love your mushroom photos! Can’t wait for the recipe.
Ooh, from the pictures, I love the second house! But both look awesome.
And pumpkin beer!! I know what I’ll be picking up for labor day weekend barbeques
PUMPKIN BEER!!!
its that time of year!
I’ve loved mushrooms since I was a kid. When I get back to Asheville, a housemate and I are playing around with the idea of growing some for local markets…all you need are logs, a dark spot, and a fair degree of moistness (just cringed with that one).
I love the charm in the old houses!
I have a general question for you ( I wasn’t able to find an email to contact you). Which calorie calculator do you feel is the most accurate based on personal experience? Or is there a formula that you find preferable? Thanks!
I have always prefered http://www.caloriesperhour.com/
I love mushrooms, in any form. Never tried them stuffed, though!
Your mushrooms looks soooo awesome! I haven’t bought them in a while so thanks for the reminder to add them to my list this week. Also, I wanted to tell you I bought Garlic Gold olive oil and tried it tonight for the first time. Wow, you were so right, why would anyone cook with anything else? I bought the gift basket too so I can’t wait to try the garlic nuggets and a jar of chopped garlic. Thanks so much for the awesome advice! I’m just mad I waited so long to try it. I definitely also recommend it to anyone who loves that garlic flavor. Thanks again!!
Taste-testing is the best part of recipe development, I think! Can’t wait to see the recipe!
Ooh, those stuffed shrooms look great!
I don’t think I could choose between either houses. They both look lovely!
i love mushrooms! so pretty!!!
you know? I thoroughly dislike ‘shrooms, but those look so good I’d be willing to try them!
I must’ve missed this– are you & Matt opening up a GH bakery in Charlottesville??
Yes!
i love shrooms! but i know some people who can’t stand them – i don’t get that!!!
1. When I was in kindergarten a parent brought in mushrooms for a snack and I was FORCED to eat them. Who makes 5 year olds eat fungus? I’ve been a traumatized ever since but yours look delish!
2. Love beer run. Last time I was there I was prego so I can’t wait to try some beer!
3. Matt is so cute !
OH MY. Your mushroom dish looks wonderful!
will be waiting for the recipe
Those stuffed mushrooms look good! Do I see cheese and cranberries in there?
Matt looks so cute, you can totally read the “MAY I?” on his face! And your mushrooms look fantastic. I love mushrooms and wish I could reach through the screen and taste them. BTW, thanks for introducting me to overnight oats. Whodathunk?
Whoo hoo for Schlafly! They’re based in my city (STL), and are excellent! My favorite is their Hefe or No. 15.