Wild Mushrooms with Shallots and Thyme

This recipe originally had chestnuts in it. As a matter of fact, I made it in an attempt to show how chestnuts can be used in more than just stuffing. But then I tasted it and decided they were totally superfluous and were distracting me from enjoying the mushrooms. I wanted to flick them all out (so much for making my point). All I can say is, thank god for chestnut soup. Oh, and this recipe is delicious now that the chestnuts have been deleted.

WILD MUSHROOMS WITH SHALLOTS AND THYME

Makes 10-12 servings

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter

8 large shallots, sliced (about 2 cups)

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 lb. assorted fresh wild mushrooms (such as stemmed shiitake, crimini & oyster), sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

3/4 cup Madeira

3/4 cup whipping cream

chopped fresh chives

1.      Melt 3 tablespoons butter in large deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté until tender and golden, about 6 minutes.

2.      Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and stir until melted. Add mushrooms; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté until tender and brown, about 10 minutes.

3.      Add thyme and stir 1 minute. Add Madeira and simmer until almost evaporated, about 1 minute. Add cream and simmer until cream thickens and coats mushroom mixture, about 1 minute. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4.      Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with chives.

slightly adapted from Bon Appétit, November 2002

shallots

peeled shallots

turkey pecking a shallot
(he was eyeing it all day)

slicing shallots

shallots in the pan

shallots golden

mushrooms added

I used a combination of shiitake, oyster & cremini mushrooms
(luck for me, my grocery store sells them already sliced)

mushrooms tender; adding thyme

pouring in the madeira

pouring in the cream

all mixed

If you look hard, you can probably spot a few chestnuts.
If you want to try yours with the chestnuts, add
1 (7.25 oz.) jar roasted, peeled chestnuts, halved (about 1 1/2 cups).

thickened

the chives I forgot to sprinkle on top

.