Wild Mushroom and Blue Cheese Toasties -- Fast Meal for Fall Nights


WILD MUSHROOM-BLUE CHEESE TOASTIES

SERVES 6

This quick supper recipe comes from award-winning chef Kevin Dundon, proprietor of Dunbrody House in County Wexford. It’s part of a collection of recipes from Kerrygold, the cheese and butter company that imports Cashel Blue from Ireland. The autumn flavor of mushrooms and the rich flavor of Cashel Blue make for a win-win supper or a nice addition to High Tea. For more recipes ideas for Afternoon or High Tea, check out my cookbook Teatime in Ireland. Order signed copies at irishcook.com

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling on baguette

2 tablespoons chopped shallots

12 ounces mixed wild mushrooms, such as chanterelle, oyster and shiitake,

cleaned and sliced

Salt

Ground black pepper

1/2 cup white wine

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped mixed herbs, such as parsley, basil and chives

1 baguette, cut into twelve 1/2-inch-thick slices

2 tablespoons butter

4 ounces crumbled Cashel Blue Cheese

Watercress, for garnish

     1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add shallots; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until soft but not browned. Stir in mushrooms; season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.

     2. Add wine; simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until evaporated. Stir in cream and herbs; simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and cheese.

     3. Melt butter in a heavy griddle pan. Grill baguette slices until marked on both sides. Remove from heat; drizzle with olive oil.

     4. To serve, arrange two bread halves on six salad plates. Spoon mushrooms on top; garnish with watercress.