Jumbo Lump Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms

 
IMG_1518.jpg

I am so obsessed with these one-bite wonders right now, particularly because they’re essentially crabcakes and garlicky mushrooms combined. My version calls for barely any filler — just a bit of panko — and plenty of flavor. I made this jumbo lump crab mixture the day before and stored it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I found it to be perfectly ready to stuff and bake before happy hour time! This will absolutely become your go-to appetizer for a gathering, potluck, or special occasion at home.

IMG_1516.JPG

12 medium-large whole white button mushrooms, stems separated
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup (heaping) jumbo lump crab
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra to garnish
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1 tablespoon chives, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
Salt + pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a baking dish and add mushroom caps.

2. Dice mushroom stems. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced mushroom stems and onion to the pan, stirring to cook. Add garlic after 5 minutes, continuing to cook down mushroom-onion mixture. Once caramelized, transfer mixture to a mixing bowl.

3. Mix in crab, panko, parmesan, herbs, egg, and salt and pepper until well combined. Generously fill each cap with stuffing mixture, pressing down lightly with your finger to fit a bit more! Sprinkle additional grated parmesan over the top.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

IMG_1517.jpg
 

Carbonara Quiche

 
IMG_0123.JPG

I was never a quiche fan, frankly, until this morning.

IMG_0126.jpg
IMG_0125.JPG

Serves 8-10

1 refrigerated pie crust
6 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup pancetta, cubed
1 shallot, diced
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
Rosemary sprigs, to garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unroll pie crust and press into a 9” pie pan or tart pan, crimping edges.

In a medium pan over medium high heat, cook pancetta until begins to crisp. Then, add shallot and sauté in pancetta and its grease until translucent.

Meanwhile, whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.

Sprinkle shallot and pancetta mixture evenly over the pie crust. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Next, take a small spoon and dollop ricotta (I like to make 8 little teaspoons for each slice, plus one dollop in the center!). Carefully pour egg mixture over top. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup parmesan.

Bake for 35-40 minutes total until center is just set. About 25 minutes into baking, if desired, add sprigs of rosemary to the center in a Christmas tree form.

Remove quiche from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes between slicing and serving.