Mushroom Spices for the Home Chef

The home chef is always looking for new and exciting ways to use common ingredients in their favorite dishes. But, did you know that mushrooms can now be bought in powder form? Using mushroom powders are a great way to use these earthy fungi in an exciting new way in the kitchen.

Many home chefs love using mushroom spices in many different ways to add a unique twist on many simple dishes. One way to make risotto new again is to add a dash of mushroom powder. By doing this, the risotto will still keep its creamy texture without added lumps when regular whole mushrooms are used. The risotto will still have that wonderful and robust flavor of mushrooms but feel like silk on the pallet.

Having dried mushrooms on hand in the pantry is usually a must for those of us that love to cook, but do not always have the time to run to the store to get fresh mushrooms. The same should be said about having a spice cabinet stocked with your favorite mushroom seasonings, because they can also be used in many of the same ways that a dried mushroom can in your favorite recipes.

There is no limit what type of combinations that one can come up with by using mushroom powders in food. A favorite at my house is making air popped popcorn and sprinkling on Porcini mushroom powder with a dash of parmesan cheese. Not only is the popcorn healthier when prepared this way, it tastes great too. After doing this once, you will never use just plain melted butter and salt again.

Sometimes trying to find that perfect spice balance in soups and sauces can be hard. By adding shiitake mushrooms in powder form can add that right combination in not only taste, but also in texture. Many home chefs love using mushroom powders as their secret ingredient in their favorite stocks, soups and sauces.

Using mushrooms spices in dishes adds a special touch. These rich and earthy spices can be used in so many ways around the kitchen and is only limited be the imagination.

Cooking with Mushrooms

Looking to jazz up many of my recipes, I decided to start experimenting with different types of mushrooms in many of my favorite dishes. Mushrooms can be incorporated into so many dishes and add that special touch or unique flavor. I have become such an advent user of these tasty fungi, I am now even using mushroom growing kits in my kitchen and growing them right on my counter.

There are so many unique forms that mushrooms come in now, they have really stepped up my game in the kitchen and my family has taken notice. Many do not know that a great way to keep mushrooms from going bad is to use dried mushrooms. They still have the same taste and texture as fresh mushrooms. All you have to do is rehydrate them in some warm water for about 15 minutes and they are ready to add to one of your favorite recipes.

One of my all time favorite mushroom products to use is mushroom powders. These types of mushroom spices are great when added to salads or sprinkled on steaks before you grill them. This is one spice my spice cabinet is never without. I use mushroom seasoning instead of salt in many soups, stews and I even add a dash to my mashed potatoes for an earthy twist on this traditional side dish.

Many have never heard of dried candy cap mushrooms. These mushrooms have a sweet taste like maple syrup. My daughters and I love using this type of mushroom in banana bread for instance. This recipe has always been a big hit with not only our family; many of our friends love it as well. Everyone is always shocked to find out that the secret ingredient is the dried candy caps.

No matter if you are a novice cook or a professional chef, mushrooms are easy to use. From baking, grilling or just sprinkling on vegetables, mushrooms add that special touch to any dish.