HealthNotes

Fresh Mushroom Clafouti

• From: Mushroom Council

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs corn oil margarine

• 3/4 cup onion, chopped

• 1 1/2 lbs white button mushrooms, thinly sliced

• 1/3 cup dry Sherry

• 1 1/3 cup skim milk

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, unbleached

• 3 large egg whites

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 Tbs thyme leaves, crushed

• 1/4 Tbs salt

• 1/4 Tbs freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

This savory take on the French classic is one you will return to again and again.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Using a nonstick vegetable spray, spray a 10-inch fluted quiche pan or pie plate.
• Filling: In a large skillet heat margarine until melted. Add onion; cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is just softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and dry Sherry; cook, stirring frequently, until liquid has evaporated, 15 to 18 minutes; set aside.
• CrustIn the container of an electric blender place milk, flour, egg whites, egg, thyme, salt and black pepper. Blend on high speed, until well beaten, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour 1 cup mixture into prepared pan forming a thin layer; set remaining mixture aside. Bake until firm to the touch, about 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven; transfer to a baking sheet; spoon mushroom mixture from skillet evenly over crust reserving 1/4 cup mushrooms for garnish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Whirl remaining milk mixture in blender to combine; pour over cheese. Bake until puffed and brown, about 45 minutes.
• Remove from oven; allow to cool, about 10 minutes before serving (clafouti will lose some of its puffiness and flatten out). Garnish with reserved 1/4 cup mushrooms and fresh thyme springs, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.