A Family of Mycophiles?

Mycophiles? Say whaaaaa?

Mushroom lovers, friends. Suddenly, we've got a whole lotta 'shroom hunters out here. 

It all started innocently enough.

My husband, the outdoorsman, has always had an interest in learning about edible plants and fungi. Last year, he purchased a book about hunting, identifying and preparing wild mushrooms—and people, let me tell you...the man is into it.

A handful of morels from this season. DELISH!

At first, I have to admit that I was incredibly unnerved by his new hobby. 

Obviously, any hunter must use utmost caution when identifying wild mushrooms. But my fella is no fool. His research was extensive and thorough, and the more knowledge he absorbed, the more he began to teach our friends and family about safely hunting, collecting, identifying and (when applicable) cooking local 'shrooms.

And I have to say that, during mushroom hunting season, our dinners have been AMAZING!

Just last night, we enjoyed the GIANT morel I found on Mother's Day, stuffed with crab and goat cheese. I'm drooling with the recollection. Completely y-e-s!

My BIG score of the season so far- a 6 1/4 inch tall, 2 1/2 ounce yellow morel 

My favorites so far? Morels, chicken-of-the-woods and hen-of-the-woods have a lovely texture and are so incredibly savory. Can't wait to find some good ones! Will report for sure.

Once I got past the initial fear of the unknown, I found myself really getting into this new hobby. It's important for adults and children alike to learn about their surroundings, to respect the process of thorough research and safety when it comes to making identifications in nature.

And then there's the total THRILL of finding what you seek...

Such a wonderful excuse to get outside to enjoy the raw fruits of nature.

Morel season is coming to an end out here in eastern PA, but the mushroom hunting is only getting started, friends. You know I'll keep you posted along the way.

What's YOUR favorite kind of edible mushroom?
Happy and safe hunting everyone!

XOXO From My Hearth to Yours

P.S. Again, obviously NEVER eat any wild mushroom unless you are 100% certain you have properly identified it, that it is cooked and safe for human consumption.