Page 252 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

CHANTERELLES AND CHANTERELLE-

LIKE MUSHROOMS

Chanterelles have undersides with thick, shallow folds that have cross-veins instead of true gills, forked
ridges that run down the stem, and blunt edges. They are often funnel or trumpet-shaped. Their cap and
stalk are not always clearly defined.

Black Chanterelle, Craterellus

cinereus (CANTHARELLACEAE)

BLACK CHANTERELLES are wide-ranging in North base. Some eastern specimens share stems.
America but relatively uncommon. They can be dis- SPORES: 8-11 x 5-6 µ, elliptical, smooth; Spore print:
tinguished from other dark-hued chanterelles by the whitish
network of forking ridges that run along their under-
EDIBLE PARTS: cap, stem
sides. Appearing in spring, these mushrooms fruit on
HOW TO EAT: These big-flavor chanterelles are
the ground under oaks, occurring singly, scattered, or
smokey, woodsy, and sweet. They pair well with but-
in dense groups. Fused clusters can be found east of
ter, cream, and meats.
the Rocky Mountains.
MIDNIGHT BREAKFAST: Ingredients: black chante-
CAP: The cap is 0.5-2.5 inches (1.5-6cm) across and
relles, butter, 1 clove garlic (diced), ¼ cup leeks (chun-
depressed, forming a funnel or vase shape with a
ked), 2 tbsp. chicken broth, 1 tbsp. cream, 1 tbsp. white
wavy or lobed margin. Its dry surface is smooth to
wine, salt, pepper, thyme, 4 eggs, 4 slices baguette,
finely scaly. Young mushrooms are black. As they age
mozzarella. In a skillet, cook garlic and leeks in butter
or lose moisture, they become brownish-grey. The
(1-2 min.). Add broth, cream, wine, thyme (simmer 10
thin flesh is black or grey.
min.). Add salt and pepper. Cover and warm on low
UNDERSIDE: The cap’s undersurface is patterned
heat. Butter baguette slices and layer on mozzarella.
with a network of raised, forking false gills. These
Add mushrooms to leeks (cook 1-2 min.). Poach eggs.
ridges are interconnected by cross veins. Beginning
Broil mozzarella toast (3 min.). Serve mushrooms,
bluish-black, the underside changes to grey as it be-
leeks, and eggs on toast.
comes dusted with spores.
POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Plectania spp.: cup-
STEM: The stem is 0.8-3 inches (2-8cm) tall, 0.2-0.5
shaped, not trumpet-shaped; Urnula spp. - urn-
inches (0.4-1.3cm) thick and equal, or thinner toward
shaped. Thelephora terrestris - normally fruits in
the base. Colored like the cap, it may be central or
rosette-like fans; purple-brown coloration.
off-center. Its interior is hollow above and solid at the
251