How To Prepare Fresh Mushrooms

For cleaning: There is every reason to wash mushrooms, and only one reason not to: the gills absorb water. You can clean them with a damp cloth or a mushroom brush. Or follow the example of many professional chefs and wash them in a large pot of cool water with a handful of flour in it. With quick hand-washing movements, lightly rub the mushrooms together, immediately lay them out on a cloth towel and quickly dry them. Trim the legs at the base. Mushrooms can be cooked whole, cut off the caps and legs, or cut into thin slices.To saute: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the mushrooms and cook, uncovered, for 8 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. (If the mushrooms are sliced, cook for 4 minutes or until tender.) Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.Other cooking methods: bake; deep-fry; stuff and bake.Serving recommendations: Sauteed mushrooms can be served with ghee, French dressing, lemon cream sauce, or butter and lemon sauce.