Stuffed Mushrooms

Dear Jess,

I found these mushrooms on Handle the Heat, and she found them here. These little tasty treats have been on my 'to make' list for quite some time. When my Mom's birthday rolled around, it seemed to be the perfect occasion. They are hearty, a little spicy, and very easy to make. Instead of the Marsala, I used some red wine that I had lying around. It worked wonderfully. These were a big hit!

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

16 extra-large white mushrooms

5 tbsps good olive oil, divided

2 1/2 tbsps marsala wine or medium sherry

3/4 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from the casings

6 scallions, white and green parts, minced

2 garlic cloves minced

2/3 cup panko crumbs

5 oz mascrapone cheese, preferably from Italy

1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan

2 1/2 tbsps minced fresh parsley leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop them finely. Set aside. Place the mushroom caps in a shallow bowl and toss with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and Marsala. Set aside.

3. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, crumbling it with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook the sausage for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it's completely browned. Add the chopped mushroom stems and cook for 3 more minutes. Stir in the scallions and garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the panko crumbs, stirring to combine evenly with all the other ingredients. Finally, swirl in the mascarpone and continue cooking until the mascarpone has melted and made the sausage mixture creamy. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan, parsley, and season with salt and pepper, to taste, Cool slightly.

5. Fill each mushroom generously with the sausage mixture. Arrange the mushrooms in a baking dish large enough to hold all the mushrooms in a snug single layer. Bake until the stuffing for 50 minutes, until the stuffing is browned and crusty.

I can't wait to see you! I hope all is going well, and you are finding lots of little adventures to keep things exciting.

I love you,
Sally