Monday was my mom’s last day here so I treated her to a manicure for Mother’s Day and also made her a special meal by request. In return, she organized the back hall closet and laundry room for me. I think she is trying to shape me into a civilized home owner. ;) It was an offer I couldn’t refuse!
After some careful consideration on my recipes page, she decided on my Mushroom Barley Risotto. [On the weekend, she also chose 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta]- two very good choices!
We picked up a few groceries and also Eric at the train station.
Then I got busy in the kitchen…!
I must have inherited my mom’s love for mushrooms because I can’t get enough of them lately. I never used to like them growing up (I only liked the canned variety), but now I just love most kinds of fresh mushrooms.
When you have a local mushroom farm nearby, it only makes sense to learn to love ‘em!
Mushrooms are also quite healthy too!
According to Alive Magazine, mushrooms are:
- High in antioxidants: Cremini and Portabella mushrooms have antioxidant levels comparable to that of broccoli, red peppers, and carrots.
- Immunity Boosters: Mushrooms appear to stimulate the immune system, including T and B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells.
- Phytochemical rich: Phytochemicals are thought to have an anticancer effect in some research.
- Rich in dietary fibre, riboflavin, Vitamin D, and niacin.
[In case you missed it last summer, check out the Portabella mushroom recipe challenge I participated in where I made Easy Stuffed Portabella Pizza in a Cashew Basil Cheese Sauce.]
Next, I made Cheezy Garlic Bread inspired by the garlic bread in Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan. I sliced a multi-grain baguette in half, spread on some Earth Balance, and then sprinkled it with garlic powder, kosher salt, and nutritional yeast. I placed it in the oven on low broil for a couple minutes until crisp. It turned out great!
I also sautéed some broccoli in a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar until just tender.
With Cave Springs white wine from Niagara region.
I love that this mock ‘risotto’ recipe is made with pearled barley…it really does amp up the nutrition and satiety factor.
Check out our dining room GLOW!
For dessert, we split the last two Chocolate Cupcakes…so sad to see those go. Eric and my mom just rave about those cupcakes! I will be making those for guests again real soon.
Peace out!
I’d like to be on that guest list please. xo
I love that table scape picture – it looks so warm and comforting (as does the whole meal!)
Such a great recipe Angela! And it’s super healthy! A garnish of enoki mushrooms would be pretty on top too. Have you tried Enoki mushrooms?
– Brittany
No I havent yet, what are they like? I’ll have to look them up!
I think they are pretty good in small quantities, like as a garnish on top of your risotto… I would describe them as crunchy like a bean sprout, but they taste like a mushroom.
They actually grow on a farm in your area (not the big one up the street), so you could go there to get some.
– Brittany
thanks hun!
Mushroom risotto is my favorite. I could eat pounds of mushrooms every day. I love them! I’ve played with barley instead of rice in risotto and love it. It feels (and is) such a better substitute nutritionally!
I love the orange dining room (with white too!). It looks so fresh and inviting. :)
Yum, what an awesome meal!
I make the same garlic bread and it’s pretty amazing! I love the idea of this dish to, I have a love affair with mushrooms too!! mmmm :)
I had it in my mind that I hated mushrooms, but I think I was just afraid of them. Enter: a persistant friend. I tried them and fell in love at first bite. YUM. Can not get enough now. It’s like a drug! (Did I take that too far?)
im hoping that Eric likes them one day too :)
Oh, I have no doubt he’ll come around eventually. With your cooking? No doubt.
This is a great recipe! I am looking forward to making this after I stop at the Farmer’s Market this weekend! Time with moms is the best!!!
The risotto could use some nutritional yeast :) Have some dried chantrelles that I picked last year. Looks like a great way to use them.
That is a good idea actually! Never thought to add nooch to it.
This recipe was my inspiration the other night when I looked in the fridge only to see what I could swear was a ton of fresh mushrooms! I modified the grain, but I must admit it tasted great, the fam jam gave great reviews about the dish :)
NOTHING beats sauteed onions and mushrooms :) SO GOOD. IN ANYTHING!
I love mushrooms I seriously could eat them every day!
That photo of your dining room is beautiful! Mushroom risotto is my favourite although I do love pretty much any kind of risotto that’s put in front of me ;-) I’m a huge lover of mushrooms and I have in fact done your porto pizzas – they were awesome!!
Im happy you like them! I need to make them on the grill this summaaa
I LOVE mushrooms!! I think mushrooms are one of things that people love or hate (or don’t want to admit they like). My aunt swears up and down that mushrooms are the most disgusting ingredient ever, but she loves my stuffed mushrooms. Go figure!
And the living room glow! I love it! I’m love looking at pictures of people dining room tables, my apt in NY is so small we don’t even have one :( maybe I’ll find a small one soon.
Mm, this looks so good! I love mushrooms any way – even raw!
I love mushrooms, too, but for some reason I don’t eat them that often. I don’t really know why. Reading about you and your Mom the past couple of days has really made me smile, and you both look so happy and radiant in all of the photos – it’s clear that you’re really close.
Aww thanks Hannah :)
Yummy :) I remember seeing that recipe. I’ve been meaning to try a barley risotto. Sounds so good and I love mushrooms :)
I love mushrooms so much! I can’t wait to make this! Your tomato “cheese” risotto is one of my favorite dishes I have ever made, so I’m sure this is up there.
Yummmmmmm!!! I also love all types of mushrooms. And that dinner looks so fabulous. I want some of that garlic bread… :)
Love that dinner!! SO many of my favorite foods right there! I love the mushrooms and the nutritional yeast! Can you send me some of the leftovers? LOL!
you assume there are leftovers?? heh