ALTERNATE-SIDE WILD MUSHROOM RECIPES

                               
                             Easing out of the Snowbank
 

Each morning during this snow-emergency season, we listen eagerly for the status of alternate-side-of-the-street parking regulations.  The city has been good to us NYC car-parkers this winter.  Each dusting of snow gives us one less reason to venture out, one more hour to devote to dinner.  The cold weather has us hankering for wild mushrooms.

• Crimini, portobello, shiitake and other cultivated mushrooms can hold a week or more in the fridge.  They can be used interchangeably in many recipes, such as this gut-warming, aromatic version of Indian dal.  
• Introduce a new layer of earthy flavor with Dried Porcini, in this hearty Wild Mushroom Soup.  
• Top thick slices of pork roast with chanterelles, sautéed and finished with a port wine and tarragon reduction.
• Sauté a mixture of wild mushrooms and bind with just a touch of hoisin sauce.  Tuck into a wonton wrapper with warmed, julienned bok choy or tofu.