Friday, April 13, 2012

Mushroom Bruschetta from April Bloomfield

I don't have a sweet tooth.

Really. Oh yes, I like my piece of salty dark chocolate toffee. Who doesn't? But I can forego dessert.


I'm all about the fruits and vegetables.


Really. 


What? You don't believe me?


And yes, I did eat all of the above in NYC with Kirsten's help. 

But I truly do love my small vegetables. Especially if they are small bites. I can make a meal out of bruschetta toppings.


We had two traditions here when the kids were younger. One was "small bites Sunday" which I would do in the winter. There was something about a lazy winter day - when the house was cleaned, the homework done and the weather forbidding that called for a late afternoon nosh. Starting with a substantial slab of bread, cut and waiting on the kitchen table. It would soon be surrounded by warmed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, cheeses, olive spreads and artichoke hearts.

These little bites would magically appear on the dining room table and everyone could come and go at will - stopping to fill their plates as they wished. There were no guides such as "eat your vegetables." Just a mini feast of small plates.

On Fridays in the summer, I would set up a no-cook spread similar to antipasto platters - of meats, cheeses, vegetables, breads and condiments and let everyone dive in and eat inside or out - whatever struck their fancy.

There was a sense of being out of the routine, being whisked away to a resort when these small bites appeared at the table. It was not "business as usual" and these meals were a welcome break from our normal routine.

It is no wonder that when I first eyed April Bloomfield's recipe for a Mushroom Bruschetta, I knew it would come to my table. April Bloomfield is Chef #43 on Gourmet's List of Women Game Changers in Food. 

She is best known for receiving a surprising Michelin star  in 2005 for her West Village, NYC restaurant The Spotted Pig. Later in 2007, Food and Wine named her one of the best new chefs to watch. Born in Birmingham, UK, April Bloomfield had no intention of becoming a chef.  A missed deadline to apply for the police academy sent her instead to cooking school. Her mix of satisfying Italian and British ingredients has enchanted New Yorkers who wait outside in long lines for a chance to dine at The Spotted Pig. Find more about Ms. Bloomfield here. On to the recipe - it's a good one: earthy with a smattering of decadence - you will want to bring this to your table.



Mushroom Bruschetta Ingredients (Serves 4)
5 tablespoons olive oil - divided (extra if needed)
1 pound mushrooms, cleaned chanterelle or trumpet (I used a gourmet blend)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons fresh, minced Italian parsley
1/4 cup creme fraiche (I used less)
w tablespoons fresh,. chopped chives
4-2/3 inch rye bread, toasted (I use whole grain ciabatta)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cups arugula
salt to taste

Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. Once hot, add the mushrooms and lightly salt. Saute, stirring until mushrooms are browned (7-10 minutes). If needed, deglaze the pan with a few drops of water. Stir in garlic, butter and parsley (about 1 minute). Just lightly brown the garlic and remove from heat. Add creme fraiche and chives. Blend till combined.

Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet with a little olive oil and add bread and toast (I did it in the oven). Whisk 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the lemon. Toss with arugula. Spoon mushrooms over the toasts and serve with the arugula on the side.




This dish provides a most satisfying line between the "work-a-day world" and "I'm home now, let's put away the day and be calm and comforted." And it's easy. Remember - I am all about cooking with ease.



Please check out what the other bloggers are doing for Week 43 of Female Chef Gourmet Game Changers. And if you want to join in the fun, e-mail Mary at  One Perfect Bite. Mary started this delectable journey. 

Susan - The Spice GardenHeather - girlichef,
Miranda - Mangoes and ChutneyJeanette - Healthy Living
Kathleen - Gonna Want Seconds

33 comments:

Jill~a SaucyCook said...

Oh Claudia, I always enjoy your posts and this one is no different. I had considered making this recipe for today's post as well and after seeing yours I know I will try it soon. I was really ok with drooling over the tantalizing baked goods you ate in New York, but why Claudia, why did you find it necessary to remind me how dirty my house is and how the laundry has been lying in waiting in both machines for a day now?

Anissa said...

Claudia I will be sending you a bill for a new keyboard as mine was ruined when I drooled all over it...seriously though you need to post a disclaimer warning before a post like this...yum!
Oh and anytime you need someone to dispose of sweets just give me a call, you have my number ;)

Mireya @myhealthyeatinghabits said...

LOL Anussa's comment was very funny. But, seriously your's looks so tasty. Creme fraiche will always make it satisfying, but with or without the creme, it's delicious!

Ciao Chow Linda said...

How could you? now I'm longing for one of those decadent desserts -- but first I need a piece of that mushroom bruschetta.

Cucina49 said...

Oh, Claudia, you made me laugh with the desserts and then you got me with this recipe. This is exactly my idea of a good light meal, although I might have to add some fromage blanc or goat cheese, just because I can't live without cheese.

Amy said...

Haha...I love desserts as well, but go savory much of the time and that mushroom bruschetta sounds amazing! Love this idea :)!

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

Oh boy you know how to hurt a girl... geesh, look at them in line and in order of sinful bliss of desserts. Holy COW! these are incredible, really decadent. The chocolate torte cake is gorgeous and my favorite... I couldnt get past that one to the mushrooms, I am skipping dinner going straight for the dessert, jealous, you lucky girl! xo

Bubbe Bites said...

Those deserts look really decadent. I love the mushroom bruschetta though. I am so glad you shared it with us.

Velva said...

I love your food style. Your traditions too. No doubt NYC rocked your food world. I know it does mine every time I visit.

Velva

Kathy said...

Love the idea of small bite Sundays! What a great idea! The mushroom bruschetta looks fabulous! Great post!

Jeanette said...

I love the idea of "small bites Sunday." I serve small bites once in a while and my kids LOVE it! It's so much fun. These mushroom bruschetta look divine.

Lynda said...

I love the idea of small bites set out;wish I had thought of that when my kiddos were still home. And oh my, those desserts Claudia-I want them all! I really do have a sweet tooth, especially for chocolate.
But the mushroom bruschetta would make me very happy too. Looks quite yummy!

TinaRBK said...

I love desserts but I must face the facts that normal meals are really what the body needs. Glad to see that after all those goodies in NY you followed it with a tasty bruschetta. It looks amazing-yum!
Also, I like the small bites Sunday idea. Enjoy the weekend!

QembarDelites said...

You are making me drool over all your desserts and I so could make a meal out of your mushrooms too! Really!

Angie's Recipes said...

I am trying not to indulge myself in too much sweets....and this post doesn't help me at all..
The mushroom bruschetta looks terrific! I am going to put more creme fraiche ;-)

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I'm not a sweet eater either and limit my desserts to a lemon cookie or occasionally dark chocolate espresso bites.

I could eat your mushroom bruschetta everyday and be a happy girl. Love the idea of using rye, my personal favorite, and the arugula on the side is perfect. But I will keep my eye out for whole grain ciabatta, which I've yet to find in my market...
Sam

Reeni said...

I don't come from a family of mushroom eaters but I love noshing on "little bites" especially with a nice crusty focaccia or Italian bread. The desserts are delectable looking!

Magic of Spice said...

You are too funny...I had to show my son all of the treats here at the beginning...Wow!
The bruschetta looks amazing...I adore all things mushroom! I also, like you could just live off of the toppings :)
Hope you are having a great weekend!

Miranda | Mangoes and Chutney said...

Your sweet tooth looks like mine! I love all things mushrooms, thanks for sharing this fabulous dish!

Barbara said...

Fun post, Claudia! I do love sweets, but try to avoid them as much as possible. However, I post a lot of them...try only to taste and then resist anymore. Not easy.
Now your mushroom dish I could eat for two meals a day! Looks wonderful!

Beth said...

I love the idea of Small Bites Sunday! And your bruschetta looks wonderful.

Martha@ Simple Nourished Living said...

What a fun read. Loved learning about your "small bites Sundays" and "no-cook Fridays" during the summer. How fun! Have really enjoyed reading about April Bloomfield and her simple yet delicious recipes.

easyfoodsmith said...

You are a temptress, aren't you?!! Those cakes are looking sinfully delicious and so tempting.
As for the mushroom bruschetta, I can happily have it every day, all year long!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

What gorgeous desserts and wonderful mushroom bruschette! Now, I'm craving all those goodies...

Cheers,

Rosa

Joanne said...

I love my sweets AND my savories. My poor skinny jeans...

last year i went through a bruschetta-obsessed phased and I feel it coming on again. This looks great!

Catherine said...

Dear Claudia, I love the routines that you had with the small bites. Sounds so relaxing and fun.
I think I would very much like this mushroom bruschetta.
Have a great day. Blessings, Catherine xo

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, this bruschetta is calling my name! And I love your idea of small bites Sundays! Wonder if my meat and potatoes gang would go for that, as I am all in favor! Hope your week is off to a great start~

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

This looks so earthy, simple, and delicious. I love mushrooms and bread - so it's a winner for me.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I do admit I have a sweet tooth and would happily indulge in all these desserst if I could, Claudia! I have been trying so hard to be good and stay on a diet until the wedding...not that I'm losing weight, unfortunately.


I like a small bites type of meal. My husband oftens says that a loaf of bread, a hunk of cheese, a good spicy sopresotta and a glass of wine is all he needs to live..lol I'm sure he wouldn't mid a slice or two of mushroom bruchetta added to the mix!

chow and chatter said...

love this often have mushrooms on toast like this and love the concept of small bites sunday may steal that one

Drick said...

I sure do like the idea of small food eating, means I can eat more!!
seriously, one of my favorite TV shows is EAT STREET and I have often day-dreamed of a food truck serving small, bite size food combos... and who wouldn't want your Mushroom Bruschetta.... great, fantastic

Chiara said...

The mushroom bruschetta looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing...

Lori Lynn said...

Seriously craving mushrooms now...
LL