Over the transom came a recipe which I just had to try…because the first ingredient was a pound of butter. Reading further, the recipe instructs cooking the mushrooms for 6-8 hours in the said pound of butter. Wow. I did it and these mushrooms are indescribable. They are no mere fungi, but caramelized and intensely flavored. Want to impress? Try this appetizer; after all, it always is better with butter!

Caramelized Mushrooms

• 1 pound butter
• 4 pounds extra large mushrooms
• 4 cups red wine
• 2 cups chicken or beef stock
• 1 1/2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• salt to taste

Combine all of the ingredients in a large sauce pan. Bring to a boil and simmer (covered)on medium-low heat for several hours (3 to 6 hours). Uncover and continue to cook on low heat until most of the liquid is boiled away, probably another hour or two. Serve as an appetizer, a condiment for meat, or as a pizza topping….they will be devoured.