STUFFED MUSHROOMS RECIPE

 Ingredients:

• 1 227g package of white button or cremini mushrooms
• 1 225g bar of cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 2 large handfuls of spinach (about 3-4 cups), chopped
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Parmesan cheese (optional), for sprinkling on top
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Use a damp paper towel to scrub the mushrooms clean. Do not wash them, as this will add moisture. With your fingers, gently remove the stem from the center of each mushroom.
3. Chop the stems into small pieces and set aside.
4. Place the unfilled mushrooms on the prepared baking sheet, hollow side up. Bake for 10 minutes to extract any moisture.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When hot, add the shallots, garlic, and chopped mushroom stems. Sauté until soft, about a few minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Add the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce and cook until most of the liquid evaporates.
7. Add the cubed cream cheese, cooked crumbled bacon, and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the cream cheese is completely melted.
8. Remove the mushrooms from the oven. Use a clean paper towel to dab out any moisture that has collected in the center of the mushrooms.
9. Using a spoon, generously and loosely fill each mushroom cap with the filling, gently pressing it into place. Sprinkle each mushroom with a little bit of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
10. Return the mushrooms to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the mushrooms are completely cooked through and the tops are golden brown.

Tips:

• For a more flavorful filling, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano.
• If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute another grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• Serve the stuffed mushrooms immediately as a side dish or appetizer.

Notes:

• Try using my oven method to cook the bacon!