Marinated Mushrooms

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:52:12 -0000, [email hidden] rummaged
among random neurons and opined:

Quoted message said:

I was going to buy some marinated button mushrooms while at the store
awhile ago. But they were outrageously expensive ($6.49 for a small
10 oz jar).

I would really like to try and marinate some fresh ones. . .I've tried
it a bit in the past, but the mushrooms always turned a gray/brownish
color, fairly quickly.

Does anyone know a process for marinating mushrooms, that works pretty
well for them?

This comes under the heading of "I'm Embarrassed to Admit It." I clean
button mushrooms and then marinate them overnight in <blush> Kraft
Zesty Italian Dressing. It's perfect. Mind you, the mushrooms are
going to turn brownish, just as they do when you saute them.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd

--
"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret had been as
old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had been as full as the
waitress's, it would have been a very good dinner."

-- Duncan Hines

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:52:12 -0000, [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

I was going to buy some marinated button mushrooms while at the store
awhile ago. But they were outrageously expensive ($6.49 for a small
10 oz jar).

I would really like to try and marinate some fresh ones. . .I've tried
it a bit in the past, but the mushrooms always turned a gray/brownish
color, fairly quickly.

Does anyone know a process for marinating mushrooms, that works pretty
well for them?

Simmer them for 4-5 minutes, then let them dry in a colander on
the counter for a few hours. Add Italian dressing of choice (I
use Girards Italian - just a bit, and some habenero balsamic
vinegar and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Well, you get the basic idea. This is what I did on Saturday
(and I ate them tonight). This s my normal method for making
them. The simmering is important - don't just use
fresh/unblanched mushrooms.

They do get dark, though. I suspect you could add a chemical or
two to keep them lighter - which is probably what the
manufacturers do. But why?

-sw

On Jul 11, 7:41 pm, Terry Pulliam Burd <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:52:12 -0000, [email hidden] rummaged
among random neurons and opined:

Quoted message said:

I was going to buy some marinated button mushrooms while at the store
awhile ago. But they were outrageously expensive ($6.49 for a small
10 oz jar).

Quoted message said:

I would really like to try and marinate some fresh ones. . .I've tried
it a bit in the past, but the mushrooms always turned a gray/brownish
color, fairly quickly.

Quoted message said:

Does anyone know a process for marinating mushrooms, that works pretty
well for them?

This comes under the heading of "I'm Embarrassed to Admit It." I clean
button mushrooms and then marinate them overnight in <blush> Kraft
Zesty Italian Dressing. It's perfect. Mind you, the mushrooms are
going to turn brownish, just as they do when you saute them.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd

--
"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret had been as
old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had been as full as the
waitress's, it would have been a very good dinner."

-- Duncan Hines

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

Thanks so much for the tip! I don't feel like such a "lame" cook
now. As it turns out, I've been marinating them in Kraft Roasted Red
Pepper Italian Dressing. . . So we're nearly on the same page.

I'm also thinking of trying Steve's idea about simmering them for a
few minutes first! I was wondering if setting them in lemon juice
would impede the browning/graying of them a bit. Kind of like what
happens with apple slices?

Myrl Jeffcoat
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Quoted message said:

I'm also thinking of trying Steve's idea about simmering them for a
few minutes first! I was wondering if setting them in lemon juice
would impede the browning/graying of them a bit. Kind of like what
happens with apple slices?

I do see at least one reference this on the web, so it would worth
a try.

-sw

Steve Wertz said:

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:52:12 -0000, [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

I was going to buy some marinated button mushrooms while at the store
awhile ago. But they were outrageously expensive ($6.49 for a small
10 oz jar).

Quoted message said:

I would really like to try and marinate some fresh ones. . .I've tried
it a bit in the past, but the mushrooms always turned a gray/brownish
color, fairly quickly.

Quoted message said:

Does anyone know a process for marinating mushrooms, that works pretty
well for them?

Simmer them for 4-5 minutes, then let them dry in a colander on
the counter for a few hours. Add Italian dressing of choice (I
use Girards Italian - just a bit, and some habenero balsamic
vinegar and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Well, you get the basic idea. This is what I did on Saturday
(and I ate them tonight). This s my normal method for making
them. The simmering is important - don't just use
fresh/unblanched mushrooms.

They do get dark, though. I suspect you could add a chemical or
two to keep them lighter - which is probably what the
manufacturers do. But why?

-sw

I'd like to try this -- why does the simmering make a difference?
changes the texture?

...fred

Steve Wertz said:

Quoted message said:

I'm also thinking of trying Steve's idea about simmering them for a
few minutes first! I was wondering if setting them in lemon juice
would impede the browning/graying of them a bit. Kind of like what
happens with apple slices?

I do see at least one reference this on the web, so it would worth
a try.

-sw

Thanks. . .I'm going to try it then!

Myrl

kuvasz guy said:

Steve Wertz said:

Simmer them for 4-5 minutes, then let them dry in a colander on
the counter for a few hours. Add Italian dressing of choice (I
use Girards Italian - just a bit, and some habenero balsamic
vinegar and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Well, you get the basic idea. This is what I did on Saturday
(and I ate them tonight). This is my normal method for making
them. The simmering is important - don't just use
fresh/unblanched mushrooms.

I'd like to try this -- why does the simmering make a difference?
changes the texture?

They soak up and distribute the marinade better than they would if
they were fresh. The texture is another important aspect.

No need to boil/simmer too long. I really prefer the these better
- they have a little bit of a bite to them rather than being
almost mushy.

-sw

Steve Wertz said:

kuvasz guy said:

On Jul 12, 12:04 am, Steve Wertz <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Simmer them for 4-5 minutes, then let them dry in a colander on
the counter for a few hours. Add Italian dressing of choice (I
use Girards Italian - just a bit, and some habenero balsamic
vinegar and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Well, you get the basic idea. This is what I did on Saturday
(and I ate them tonight). This is my normal method for making
them. The simmering is important - don't just use
fresh/unblanched mushrooms.

Quoted message said:

I'd like to try this -- why does the simmering make a difference?
changes the texture?

They soak up and distribute the marinade better than they would if
they were fresh. The texture is another important aspect.

No need to boil/simmer too long. I really prefer the these better
- they have a little bit of a bite to them rather than being
almost mushy.

-sw

thanks -- I'll give it a shot....

...fred

Quoted message said:

I was going to buy some marinated button mushrooms while at the store
awhile ago. But they were outrageously expensive ($6.49 for a small
10 oz jar).

I would really like to try and marinate some fresh ones. . .I've tried
it a bit in the past, but the mushrooms always turned a gray/brownish
color, fairly quickly.

Does anyone know a process for marinating mushrooms, that works pretty
well for them?

Myrl Jeffcoathttp://www.myrljeffcoat.com

My favorite marinated mushroom recipe, from allrecipes:

Simply Marinated Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup water
1 1/2 pounds fresh
mushrooms, stems removed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground black
pepper
3 tablespoons dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon onion powder

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add mushrooms and simmer for
10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, thyme, salt, lemon
juice, garlic, pepper, parsley and onion powder. Add mushrooms and
toss until coated. Chill in marinade overnight, and reheat to serve.

They are outstanding! I try to have a batch in the fridge all the
time for snacking in front of the TV.

Lynne A
[email hidden]

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:05:07 -0000, [email hidden] rummaged
among random neurons and opined:

Quoted message said:

I'm also thinking of trying Steve's idea about simmering them for a
few minutes first! I was wondering if setting them in lemon juice
would impede the browning/graying of them a bit. Kind of like what
happens with apple slices?

I dunno, my instinct is to neither simmer them nor set them in lemon
juice. Lemon juice is going to shrink the mushrooms, as will simmering
them, which seems to me to impede the mushrooms' ability to absorb the
marinade. I have no personal experience with either, however, it just
makes sense to me.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd

--
"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret had been as
old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had been as full as the
waitress's, it would have been a very good dinner."

-- Duncan Hines

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

Terry Pulliam Burd said:

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:05:07 -0000, [email hidden] rummaged

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm also thinking of trying Steve's idea about simmering them for a
few minutes first! I was wondering if setting them in lemon juice
would impede the browning/graying of them a bit. Kind of like what
happens with apple slices?

Quoted message said:

I dunno, my instinct is to neither simmer them nor set them in lemon
juice. Lemon juice is going to shrink the mushrooms, as will simmering
them, which seems to me to impede the mushrooms' ability to absorb the
marinade.

I concur. I marinate mushrooms in olive oil, vinegar, and diced
garlic. I do not simmer them and do not use lemon juice. I stir
them from time to time, and before serving them I fish out all the
pieces of garlic. Never had any complaints, nor do they turn any
sort of wrong color.

Somebody mentioned bottled dressing. Who knows what the might do
to them. I'd avoid it.

Steve

kuvasz guy said:

On Jul 12, 1:07 pm, Steve Wertz <[email hidden]> wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

They soak up and distribute the marinade better than they would if
they were fresh. The texture is another important aspect.

No need to boil/simmer too long. I really prefer the these better
- they have a little bit of a bite to them rather than being
almost mushy.

thanks -- I'll give it a shot....

Please report back. I'm mostly after the texture/consistency
perspective. Terry was right on that you can use any sort of
marinade - that';s the best part.

I heard about the blanching part here about 15 years ago and have
been a faithful devotee since (sheesh, I think it may have even
been Max).

I'm considering doing these in bulk for friends all over the US
and would like the feedback. Nobody has been disappointed
before, but there appear to be regional preferences as to what a
marinated mushroom should taste like.

They're so easy that everyone should try making them. You don't
even have to wash or trim the mushrooms first - the simmering and
brief rinsing afterwards takes care of any blemishes or, err,
fertilizer.

Simmer, rinse, dry, marinate. Swish a few times every 8 hours
for 24 and you're done.

I'm trying [censored] in a lightly sweet sesame soy-based dressing,
caps only (never stems). I made them last night from a fresh
1-minute blanch of [censored] caps. Very lightly flavored on these.

-sw

Lynne A said:

Quoted message said:

I was going to buy some marinated button mushrooms while at the store
awhile ago. But they were outrageously expensive ($6.49 for a small
10 oz jar).

I would really like to try and marinate some fresh ones. . .I've tried
it a bit in the past, but the mushrooms always turned a gray/brownish
color, fairly quickly.

Does anyone know a process for marinating mushrooms, that works pretty
well for them?

Myrl Jeffcoathttp://www.myrljeffcoat.com

My favorite marinated mushroom recipe, from allrecipes:

Simply Marinated Mushrooms

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup water
1 1/2 pounds fresh
mushrooms, stems removed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground black
pepper
3 tablespoons dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon onion powder

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add mushrooms and simmer for
10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.

.....

This is too much spice IMO.

Cheap Balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice, 3lbs of mushrooms,
half the water, and only 5 minutes simmering (plus 3 hours
drying/draining) would make these better, IMO.

They're still mushrooms.

-de

Terry Pulliam Burd said:

I dunno, my instinct is to neither simmer them nor set them in lemon
juice. Lemon juice is going to shrink the mushrooms, as will simmering
them, which seems to me to impede the mushrooms' ability to absorb the
marinade. I have no personal experience with either, however, it just
makes sense to me.

Try blanching them once and see for yourself. I've done them both
ways and blanching is far superior, IMNSHO.

-sw

Steve Wertz said:

....

This is too much spice IMO.

Cheap Balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice, 3lbs of mushrooms,
half the water, and only 5 minutes simmering (plus 3 hours
drying/draining) would make these better, IMO.

They're still mushrooms.

Have you tried them? I did try cheap balsamic once, but it wasn't as
complimentary a flavor as I thought it would be. Half the water? It
doesn't cover 1 lb. as it is, they end up more steamed than boiled.
And yes, they do have a lot of spice, but served warm with bread for
dunking and they are heavenly. Even my mushroom hating friend
grudgingly admitted that they were "pretty good".

Lynne A
[email hidden]

On Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:06:56 -0500, Steve Wertz
<[email hidden]> rummaged among random neurons and opined:

Quoted message said:

Terry Pulliam Burd said:

I dunno, my instinct is to neither simmer them nor set them in lemon
juice. Lemon juice is going to shrink the mushrooms, as will simmering
them, which seems to me to impede the mushrooms' ability to absorb the
marinade. I have no personal experience with either, however, it just
makes sense to me.

Try blanching them once and see for yourself. I've done them both
ways and blanching is far superior, IMNSHO.

Deal - next time I make them, I'll give this a shot and report back.
In fact, I may do a blind study and divide the batch and do 'em both
ways, then see who likes which better.

Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd

--
"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret had been as
old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had been as full as the
waitress's, it would have been a very good dinner."

-- Duncan Hines

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"